Author Topic: Blue Smoke  (Read 4297 times)

Offline Jet86

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Blue Smoke
« on: November 03, 2011, 11:29:27 AM »
When starting cold I'm getting blue smoke from left exhaust, after a few miniutes once i turn the Enricher off it clears up, I am putting in new spark plugs today or tomorrow but wanted to see more feedback.

I think i remember seeing this blue smoke last winter and now that winter is coming again so is the blue smoke, nature of the connie?


1986 California Connie 87k and counting

Offline vinny

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Re: Blue Smoke
« Reply #1 on: November 03, 2011, 12:26:55 PM »
Does it appear to be using much oil?
Blue smoke is often associated with burning oil - so it would be sensible to keep an eye on it.
Are there any other symptoms? Do you have any loss in power etc?

Offline goatmar

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Re: Blue Smoke
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2011, 04:36:21 PM »
Generally Connie's don't eat oil.  If blue smoke, not a good thing. :-\ but fixable.
Dave Muzzey
COG#7957
'01 Connie "BLUE"

Offline bbroj

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Re: Blue Smoke
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2011, 06:10:12 PM »
What weight (viscosity) oil are you running? If it's not rated for the cold weather, it could be sneaking past rings and/or valve stem seals, especially when they're cold. Valve stem seals are also a relatively easy fix (vs rings) and may be in your future. Blue smoke in the colder weather usually points toward valve seals.
'12 C-14, Vance and Hines CS One muffler, lowered pegs, tank bra, bar risers, Phil's Farkles rack with Givi V46 top box, fender extender, Bucks tail brights, Canyon Cages and much more to come!
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Offline Outback_Jon

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Re: Blue Smoke
« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2011, 07:14:45 PM »
What weight (viscosity) oil are you running? If it's not rated for the cold weather, it could be sneaking past rings and/or valve stem seals, especially when they're cold. Valve stem seals are also a relatively easy fix (vs rings) and may be in your future. Blue smoke in the colder weather usually points toward valve seals.

And I'd guess you park mostly on the sidestand, which would lead to the smoke coming from the left tailpipe.
"Outback Jon" Gould *** South Cairo, NY *** COG #9506 *** 2006 C10 "Blueline" *** CDA #0157

Offline Jet86

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Re: Blue Smoke
« Reply #5 on: November 04, 2011, 11:24:23 PM »
Castrol 10W-40 for over three years, it don't burn or leak any oil, I change oil every 3,000, and filter every other time, NOTE, I just changed oil and filter about 400 miles ago, Yes 99.9% on sidestand under covered carport. Power is strong after the flat spot around 2k as always.

I got the new spark plugs and waiting for the rain to go away so i can burn out the full tank of gas then i will put in new plugs and see if the smoke go's away. I might also try parking on Center stand over night then see if both pipes smoke.


1986 California Connie 87k and counting

Offline Daytona_Mike

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Re: Blue Smoke
« Reply #6 on: November 05, 2011, 08:20:40 AM »
I thought I had cracked a ring or burnt a hole in the piston I had so much blue smoke pouring out of one side.
It was  a stuck float valve letting gas pour into the cylinder. Why it looked blue is beyond me but it defiantly was blue. I have had enough junky cars with a worn rings  to know what burning oil looks like.
Do you have over flow tubes? If not you better get them because you   most likely will hydro lock that engine soon.
If you still have fuel in the tank, you are not lost yet
Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle

Offline T Cro ®

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Re: Blue Smoke
« Reply #7 on: November 05, 2011, 09:18:29 AM »
Another side of the coin could be that you have some age (86 with XX,XXX miles) on the bike and that perhaps your valve guides seals and/or valve guides are not what they once were and that can and will net you a few drops of oil in your cylinders namely number 1 when parked on the side-stand. If it clears up and does not blow smoke clouds when you get hard on the throttle I'd not yet worry over replacing the seals or guides. You can also be seeing signs of steam from condensate water burning off too; this along with some oil burning out from an aging engine all could be chalked up to normal wear and tear.
Tony P. Crochet
(SOLD) 01 Concours Winner of COG Most Modified in 2010

Offline Daytona_Mike

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Re: Blue Smoke
« Reply #8 on: November 05, 2011, 12:55:37 PM »
and what TCro said is also true. Keep track of your fuel economy. That tells you  a lot.
If you still have fuel in the tank, you are not lost yet
Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle

Offline Jet86

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Re: Blue Smoke
« Reply #9 on: November 06, 2011, 01:06:01 AM »
218-220 miles then i switch to reserve,  however i don't always let it get that low, i try to keep the tank full but its always been consistent on the gas mileage, this morning i put it up on center stand for 5min then checked oil glass and its right where i put it just a bit above half glass, this time i started it on center stand and not much smoke at all but i also backed off the enricher soon as i started so can the enricher make it smoke?,, in the winter she is always harder to start and i think i'm leaving the choke on longer and causing it to smoke.

i haven't seen any clouds of smoke in my mirror when i get on the throttle but then again maybe i need someone to follow me and get a closer look but from what you all are saying i don't think its a problem right now.


1986 California Connie 87k and counting

Offline T Cro ®

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Re: Blue Smoke
« Reply #10 on: November 06, 2011, 03:39:21 AM »
... so can the enricher make it smoke?,, in the winter she is always harder to start and i think i'm leaving the choke on longer and causing it to smoke.

.... but from what you all are saying i don't think its a problem right now.

Yes and yes!
Tony P. Crochet
(SOLD) 01 Concours Winner of COG Most Modified in 2010

Offline Jet86

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Re: Blue Smoke
« Reply #11 on: November 07, 2011, 12:54:02 PM »
Ok thats good to know, i think all i need is to change the plugs and check the airfilter, later today im gonna post some pics of my new trunk or should i say Basket. lol

 8)


1986 California Connie 87k and counting