Blowing smoke but compression good and plug not oily

Giles C

New member
Location
United Kingdom
Hi everyone,
I recently replaced my 500's head gasket and unfortunately one side has started to smoke.
I've done a plug chop and a compression test and found that the compression is the same both sides, and the plug isn't wet. Do you think the attached video shows oil or fuel coming out the exhaust? Also do you think I can continue to ride the bike this summer or do I need to look at the valve guide and or seal or ring now?
I've also attached a pic of the plugs, before and after a new set.
Everything is stock carb wise, there's a fresh air filter and it's running Sachse electronic ignition.
Thanks for any help.
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Check/change the exhaust pipe sealing ring on the affected side.
 
Check/change the exhaust pipe sealing ring on the affected side.
Giles C. You dont know how pertinent and huge time saving efforts this simple advise is. Pulled a motor out of frame and tore it to bits, to only keep smoking on re-assembly and installed in frame. Clever Mr Sock.... he has no shoes i do believe... sorry, cannot help myself. j
 
Thanks so much for the replies and help, fantastic forum.
I'll get another gasket and try that with loctite blue.
Can anyone point me in the right direction for the best copper gasket?
 
Copper gaskets are common to 350/500, 750 and 1000.


Exhaust : OEM size (source: parts book): 38.2mm (ID) x 43.7mm (OD) x 2mm.



1. Imperial (aircraft) alternative

AN900-24 = MS35769-39



1½” x 1¾” x 3/32” = 38.1mm x 44.4mm x 3.4mm.



These work.



2. Honda alternatives

Part number: 18291-MM5-860

(37.4mm x 44.8mm x 4.1mm)



Part number: 18291-MN4-920

(35mm x 43mm x 4mm)

Honda CB250 (Super)Dream; CB 450S, VT 600C; XL 600V '87-'99; NTV 650 Rev. '88-97; XRV 650; CBR 900 RR '92-99 etc etc
 
Brilliant thanks very much. I'll update the thread when I get them in.
Fyi the nuts were far too loose which surprised me as it's not done many miles since I did them up. I tightened them and went for a ride, I think there's less smoke which bodes well.
 
Copper gaskets are common to 350/500, 750 and 1000.


Exhaust : OEM size (source: parts book): 38.2mm (ID) x 43.7mm (OD) x 2mm.



1. Imperial (aircraft) alternative

AN900-24 = MS35769-39



1½” x 1¾” x 3/32” = 38.1mm x 44.4mm x 3.4mm.



These work.



2. Honda alternatives

Part number: 18291-MM5-860

(37.4mm x 44.8mm x 4.1mm)



Part number: 18291-MN4-920

(35mm x 43mm x 4mm)

Honda CB250 (Super)Dream; CB 450S, VT 600C; XL 600V '87-'99; NTV 650 Rev. '88-97; XRV 650; CBR 900 RR '92-99 etc etc
Flying doctors?
 
the nuts were far too loose which surprised me as it's not done many miles since I did them up
The copper gaskets do compress under initial tightening but as you have found, the compressed gasket is affected by heat and will need retightening a couple of times. Don't overtighten the exhaust clamp rings - they will bend and crack if you overdo things. Blue loctite is no good for this application - it's rated to 150 deg C. Original brass nuts and decent spring washers are essential... or copper plated nuts used on BMW exhaust manifolds.
 
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