Plumes of Smoke on 'start-up'?

[NickC]

Hi

My '88 R100GS is producing plumes of thick smoke each time I start her up (it has got so bad I have been asked to start the bike outside of the covered car park at work!).

In terms of colour it is neither white nor blue, more a cross between the two i.e. a very light blue/white. It is pretty smelly but the smoke disappears after 3-4 mins of riding.

It happens whether left on the centre or side stand.

Anybody got any ideas what the cause might be pls?

Many thanks

Nick

 

[(RIP) Proff]

You've probably overfilled it...
Plumes of smoke on sidestand are normal
Might be valve guides as well, plus using other than a 20/50 mineral oil...
Oil level check is >> unscrew filler/diptick and then wipe and check without screwing back in.. DON'T overfill
FWIW my barn looks like a kipper factory when I start bikes up on the sidestand

 

[Kenny]

Sound advice from mr kipper

Just as an off chance..just check that the airbox hasn't got gearbox oil in it and that this is getting drawn into the carbs etc ( the centre locating bolt in my airbox came loose and vibrated out on the way from the Gentlemens Wee-Kend and strange whitish smoke appeared when I started her up )

 

[bakerlonglegs]

I started my airhead up at the Hograost last year after packing up on the Sunday morning. The couple on the plot next to me were still packing their tent and stuff away, and promptly disappeared in a huge cloud of white smoke..... I couldn't quite catch what they said, my earplugs were in by that point

 

[NickC]

I will check the gearbox oil as suggested.

I have checked the oil level and if anything it was a bit low so I topped up. Now the smoke is even worse which seems to suggest it is oil related......?

How difficult are valve guides to sort?

Cheers

 

[(RIP) Dennis]

Nice new set of piston rings cured mine ! Now the damn gearbox has gone...sending it off to that nice Mr Hawksley tomorrow!

 

[(RIP) pastyman]

Wouldnt think if was valve guides if it clears after startup. Worn guides would more likely stay smokey

 

[(RIP) Dennis]

Funnily enough I thought mine was valve guides stripped it all down, took the heads and valves to my friendly local engine shop who checked it out and gave it a clean bill of health. It was he who then suggested piston rings, when I checked them the gap, which I believe should be about 0.25mm was somewhat closer to 2mm

Now starts better, runs better and lo and behold no smoke (or at least very little)