So my chain case oil looks like this...

[TLM]

I have no visible leaks on the case side. Could it be leaking from one of the shaft seals? I changed the case oil two years ago. I did not ride much last year due to lack of snow, and I put on around 600 minutes the year before. I did change the top gear two years ago when I upgraded to the backcountry track. That's why I'm thinking shaft seal maybe? Or is this possibly from the chain rubbing on the case ?(tension issue?)

 

[TLM]

Oops....I meant 600 MILES...

 

[WiscSledder1969]

Wow, was that after riding?
If it was water it should settle to bottom. But might take a few days. Can you see fine aluminum dust?

 

[TLM]

Yes I put on about 100 miles around home. I changed out the oil, and I'll see what happens. By the consistency of the oil, it may have been rubbing on the case. I also adjusted the chain tension.

 

[Sevey]

There is bushing on the jack shaft before the shaft goes through the case to the disc brake assembly. If the case has condensation in it (they all do to some degree) that bushing will rust and discolour the oil. I changed mine one season and it was redish colour, brighter than your pic. I freaked out and pulled the cover and that was the culprit.

I cleaned the bushing up and flushed the case real good. I can only conclude there was lots of condensation due to me propping a space heater to heat the engine before riding. It was a cold winter and I thought this was a good thing. Any moisture created in the engine could be vented, not so for the chaincase. I have since changed my practices.
lol

MS

 

[devilnabludress]

Mine does the same thing. I find after I've gone for a real good run and stick it back into the shop with low heat, it sucks the moisture in through the vent creaming the oil. I just change the oil more regularly for the price of it. If it keeps happening, pull the dipstick and check to see how much moisture is on the stick and if there is any ice froze in the vent hole of the stick.

 

[TLM]

Thanks for all the info guys! I currently put 300 miles on it up in the UP, and it's working as it should. I'll change the oil again after this ride.....