slight exhaust leak at head

[Mstaab]

Funny thing happened today. I try to start everything with an engine at least once a week, doen't always happen but I try. So it's been 2 weeks since I started the XS1100SF, she fired right off but I noticed a slight wisp of smoke or exhaust around the left exhaust pipe at the head, almost like oil burning off but it started as soon as the bike started. After she ran for about a minute, it stopped. Any idea's?

By the way, I am new here, I have the 11, two XS750SF and a SR500E

[motorhead]

Not to be a smart @$$ but it could have been anything .Could of been a bug burning off your pipe .Seriously, since you say it went right away ,I think you should just pay a little more attention. Look up in the area you saw the smoke for any sign of oil before you start it next time.Then look closely when you crank it for exact location.There isn't an exhaust leak ,is there?

[Mstaab]

I will watch more closely next time but I did see it right away, it seemed to be coming out through the fins just above the exhaust pipe. No sign of any oil leak and it started as soon as the bike started, wasn't hot enough to burn anything off. My thinking was that being cool 45-50 degrees or so, maybe it was an exhaust leak that went away after she warmed up a bit. It never happened when it was warmer and I was riding nearly every day.

[DGXSER]

Have you checked the torque on the exhaust flange nuts lately? They tend to loosen over time and may be loose neough to cause na exhaust leak there.

[latexeses]

Mstaab,

By the way, Welcome to the forum..

[Ivan]

Might be a combination of an exhaust leak at the pipe flange and a bit of a valve stem seal leak. Snug the exhaust nuts (FWIW, this is NOT what a "Snuggie" is for...) and see if it migrates to a puff of smoke at the exhaust of the left pipe.

Valve stem seals generally don't cause much trouble, just a puff of oil smoke when it first starts, and then it runs fine. Since the clearance between the stem and the guide is usually .001" or less, not enough oil will make it through there to cause oil use. So, it is a job that can wait until you are ready, really really ready. If you let her sit for a couple weeks, then that would be enough time for a considerable amount of oil to drizzle on the top of the piston and create a nice puff until it burns away.

[XSokieSPECIAL]

Might be a combination of an exhaust leak at the pipe flange and a bit of a valve stem seal leak. Snug the exhaust nuts (FWIW, this is NOT what a "Snuggie" is for...) and see if it migrates to a puff of smoke at the exhaust of the left pipe.

Valve stem seals generally don't cause much trouble, just a puff of oil smoke when it first starts, and then it runs fine. Since the clearance between the stem and the guide is usually .001" or less, not enough oil will make it through there to cause oil use. So, it is a job that can wait until you are ready, really really ready. If you let her sit for a couple weeks, then that would be enough time for a considerable amount of oil to drizzle on the top of the piston and create a nice puff until it burns away.

Not meaning to question an almost "double guru" but exactly what does that have to do with "a slight wisp of smoke or exhaust around the left exhaust pipe at the head"

Unless there IS an exhaust leak it would come out the tail pipe. Right?

I ask this question while on my knees with my head bowed ready for immediate execution.


OK OK!! went back and actually read it all.

I'm ready for the beheading. (you don't really think that will stop me do you?)

[rpgoerlich]

Welcome Mstaab(79) !

[XSokieSPECIAL]

Welcome Mstaab(79) !

Ya.... what he said. Very welcome.

Sorry, Didn't mean to hijack one of your first threads. (be ready for later ones though)

It does sound like you might have a small exhaust leak up front.

They tend to go away as things warm up and expand.

Check your exhaust flange nuts for tightness and maybe it is time for some header gaskets........ Couldn't hurt.

[DGXSER]

I'm ready for the beheading. (you don't really think that will stop me do you?)

WHy is it I just got a vison of Al Pacino in the school meeting scene of "Scent of A Woman" stating "Nothing will Shut Them Up!!"

[Mstaab]

Thanks Guys, at least one of you found me out, I have been hanging around the triples site for a couple of years now. I love these old bikes.

Thanks for the help

"Do the right thing, even when nobody's looking"

[XSokieSPECIAL]

WHy is it I just got a vison of Al Pacino in the school meeting scene of "Scent of A Woman" stating "Nothing will Shut Them Up!!"

From the movie:

Oh, uh, Charlie - about your little problem - there are two kinds of people in this world: those who stand up and face the music, and those who run for cover. Cover is better.