1978 GL1000 smoking bad from left pipe

[dan filipi]

jackb23548 » Sat Oct 05, 2013 8:32 am[/url]":x00aoxfc]

joedrum » Sat Oct 05, 2013 8:14 am[/url]":x00aoxfc]
compression first is what id do before head removal so id know what going on at this moment before head comes off

My thoughts too. Looks like Harbor has a compression tested that might work, not the best quality unit but will work in a pinch. Should have numbers back in the next few hours. Sounds like I should have around 150 psi at each cylinder, all plugs out, throttle wide open, fully charged battery. Sound sbout right?

Yes, though compression will tell nothing if there's a bad oil ring.

 

[zman]

It seems to me if one head gasket is bad maybe the other as well, The exhaust left and right is linked with a crossover tube and may make it difficult to say which side.
Check the plugs for wetness/gas/oil or water resudue then do a comp check but a comp check wont nessisarily tell you the head gasket is blown between the water jacket, water loss,coolant contamination,plug check will.

 

[Steve83]

The orifice limits the flow of oil to the valve train, and the o-rings simply make sure the oil goes through it and not around it. The head gasket will prevent oil entering the cylinder. Re-torque the head bolts, now that you've run/ridden it a bit.

Let us know what the plugs look like - pics would be a great help.

 

[joedrum]

hmmm yes good move ...you know those old exhaust csn burn a long time with the oil that can get in them....the whole idea it takes a few minutes to start smoking seems to fit here

 

[jackb23548]

Pic of plugs. Outer two plugs are from right side. Inner plugs from left side. Picked up the compression tester this morning, waiting for battery to charge then will post numbers.

 

[Steve83]

The left plugs look newer than the right ones, but none are oily. That's a good sign. When you replaced the left head gasket, did you replace the plugs, or clean them?

 

[joedrum]

its got to be oil in the exhaust sheesh ...plugs wont look like that bug spraying the place

 

[jackb23548]

Steve83 » Sat Oct 05, 2013 11:34 am[/url]":23lxza4e]
The left plugs look newer than the right ones, but none are oily. That's a good sign. When you replaced the left head gasket, did you replace the plugs, or clean them?

New plugs along with the head gasket. The left side plugs look almost too clean to me, maybe head gasket is leaking some coolant and maybe I have some oil in the exhaust?

Compression results

All cylinders have 148 to 151 psi.

 

[slabghost]

I'd bet money your burning oil that got into the exhaust.

 

[Steve83]

If it's blue smoke, that's all it can be with the plugs that clean. Keep an eye on your coolant level - to be smokin' that bad would take a pretty good leak.

 

[C5Performance]

Seeing those plugs I'd take it for a good hard ride for at least an hour. If the oil is in the exhaust it takes ALOT of heat to burn it off. Short trips won't do it. The plugs look too clean for oil burning. See, posting those plug photos might save you from tearing the engine down again.
Good luck!

 

[K7TKA]

You could always pull the exhaust system and run it for a few minutes.

 

[Steve83]

K7TKA » Sat Oct 05, 2013 11:09 pm[/url]":4hm9vljg]
You could always pull the exhaust system and run it for a few minutes.

+1

It'll be a bit noisy, but it will tell you for sure if you have internal issues or not.

 

[jackb23548]

Thanks for all the feedback. I went for a longer ride today and the smoke is not letting up. I think I am going to pull the left head and check again for cracks, Bike just does not sound right on that side. I have a good head I can swap it with, will let you all know what I find out.

Jack

 

[jackb23548]

C5Performance » Sat Oct 05, 2013 4:40 pm[/url]"jcegueu]
Seeing those plugs I'd take it for a good hard ride for at least an hour. If the oil is in the exhaust it takes ALOT of heat to burn it off. Short trips won't do it. The plugs look too clean for oil burning. See, posting those plug photos might save you from tearing the engine down again.
Good luck!

So I removed the left side head this evening. My hopes of reusing the head gasket were quickly dashed... Anyways below are some pics of the exhaust valves, combustion chambers, bores etc for further analysis. As you can see the #2 cylinder is showing lots of oil deposits and fresh oil in the exhaust passageway. #4 is not much better but is definitely 'drier'. So the question is, where is all this oil coming from?

Recap of symptoms and testing (1978 Gl1000 with 79000 miles)
Engine runs good and does not start smoking until about a minute after startup
Once it starts smoking it does not let up, very heavy smoke from left tail pipe even after 20 minutes of running.
Engine starts running rough once it starts smoking, some sounds emanating from left head area. Sounds like a light knock but could be exhaust leak, changes with RPM.
Compression in all cylinders is around 148 to 151 PSI.
No contamination of oil or antifreeze, does not act like a head gasket failure. Water level unchanged after running.
Inside of tail pipes appear dry no obvious oil in exhaust system.

 

[dan filipi]

I hate to say it but it looks like a broken oil control ring.

 

[brianinpa]

How are the two o rings on that oil orifice?

 

[jackb23548]

brianinpa » Sun Oct 06, 2013 6:47 pm[/url]":3od3t74i]
How are the two o rings on that oil orifice?

The one on the orifice was brittle, the other between it and the head gasket was missing completely. My bad. Someone suggested these missing would still not cause the issue I am seeing. Is your experience different?

 

[brianinpa]

Looking at the picture it appears there is a dark trail from that orifice to a cylinder. If it was missing, that would be my thought.

 

[dan filipi]

brianinpa » Sun Oct 06, 2013 7:34 pm[/url]":3vwbxg3k]
Looking at the picture it appears there is a dark trail from that orifice to a cylinder. If it was missing, that would be my thought.

Sure looks possible especially since one of the O rings was missing and the other is hard.

Guess the only way to find out is put it back together and hope for the best.