White smoke when hot

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tickface
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White smoke when hot

#1

Post by tickface »

Sorry for yet another white smoke enquiry, I read thru old posts and didn't find the exact circumstances in other posts.
I have a 1951 Pan with shovel heads & super e carb, bike starts first kick and runs strong. Lately it has been hotter then hell around here and when the bike has been running for an hour or so I get small amounts of white smoke out the exhaust. If I let it cool down for awhile and get back on there's no white smoke to be seen. Any input is as always greatly appreciated.
steve_wood
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Re: White smoke when hot

#2

Post by steve_wood »

Tickface;

I think you're good man. Just keep riding her. If the smoke gets a LOT worse, then maybe think about an overhaul.

On those old shovel heads, it was common to get some oil leaking down through the valve guides causing a bit of white smoke. Could also be worn rings.

If you can do a leak down test, that might help pinpoint it.

But seriously, a little bit of white smoke under super hot conditions is pretty close to as good as it gets.
NightShift
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Re: White smoke when hot

#3

Post by NightShift »

Dear Tickface,
White out the pipe can just be water condensing since burning gas makes it. High humidity and a cool morning will do it.
Its all about "dewpoint" and ignoring it unless it smells like burnt something.

With respect,
tickface
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Re: White smoke when hot

#4

Post by tickface »

Thanks guys!
-Herb
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