white smoke, rough idle, wants to stall

[sjackson]

So, I finally got everything reinstalled on my bike, and got it started up over the weekend. The first thing I noticed was that it was no longer running nearly as rich as it was when I first got it. So it looks like replacing the float valve barrels and adjusting the float levels worked. The second thing I noticed was that it was blowing a lot of white smoke out the exhaust.

I checked the oil and noticed that there was WAY TOO MUCH in the crank case. Not only that, but it was gas contaminated. For all I know, the raised level could have been all due to gas. I think this happened when the float valve was stuck open on carb #1 and I noticed it was leaking from the overflow. (I keep the fuel supply off now when it's not running.) Anyway, I changed the oil & filter.

So after I start the bike back up, it still smokes a little bit. Popped once or twice when I gave it a bit of throttle too. But after running for a few minutes, the smoke mostly went away. There's still a whisp of smoke, especially from a cold start.

The bike idles very rough though. With the choke in, it idles higher. After it's warmed up (about four or five minutes) I push the choke in, and the bike's RPM drops to about 1000. If I rev the engine at this point, the bike practically dies after the RPMs drop back down, and it idles extremely rough.

I haven't checked the compression yet because I don't have the right tool. (anyone know where to get a cheap one?) I'm starting to worry. I'm thinking that the previous owner had this bike running way too rich, and it diluted the oil, causing wear on the rings. But if that's the case, and I need to rebuild this motor, I'm screwed. I can't afford that.

So far, all the non-cosmetic work I've done has been to rebuild the carbs, and replace the spark plugs. (they were carbon fouled, and it was just easier for me to replace them)

[sjackson]

So, I ordered a compression testing tool (along with a timing gun, because it was cheap) and I'm going to check it soon... However a couple hours after placing that order, I see this:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/mcy/1321670000.html

$175 for a running engine. I know it's premature to talk about pulling my motor, but heck... That's a good deal. And it's only a quarter mile from where I work.

Don't nobody bother trying to scoop me on this either, I'm picking it up this afternoon. ;)

Also, if anybody has any advice on how to store the engine, that'd be handy. It's probably not going on the bike for a while, if at all. I'm assuming that I should cover the intake, exhaust ports and breather tubes. Should I change the oil or drain it completely?

[Re-run]

Well I do not know how much oil the dohc holds over all but when draining, if the dohc is anything like the sohc, hit the starter a few short times and that will get more oil out. Then fill the tank and start it and add oil till you have put in 3 quarts or so in the case of the sohc or go about half a quart short on the dohc.
Run it a bit and then let it sit for a while and check the oil level. If it is high, then oil is hiding in there somewhere during changes and so remember that so you either put in less oil  or figure where it is hiding. On the sohc, you drain the tank, the oil filter housing AND the pan, so 3 locations. The dohc might be similar.

your plugs should also be cleaned as they will be oil fouled. Start there and see if that helps at all.


As for storage, drain old oil and fill, then place in dry location. if you cant drain in a dry location, make sure it is no sitting on cement, place it on wood with plastic between the wood and the floor. seal it in plastic and put some bags of dessicant(silica gel) in the plastic. These will absorb moisture.

[sjackson]

the DOHC holds about 3.75 qts, give or take. I basically let it drain, and then when I filled it back up, I filled it to the middle of the dipstick lines with about 3qts. Hit the starter a few times like you said, and then topped it off. I've run it a couple times since then, and checked it after it's been running for a few minutes. It's been staying at the same level.

Thanks for the advice on storage. Wouldn't have thought to use the dessicant. It's great because I can actually get a ton of silica packets from work. They come out of some of our inventory items. Now I just need to find a big enough plastic bag.

[sjackson]

I should add that yesterday I got fed up with not being able to ride the bike and just went out and rode it for a good half hour, even without the headlight and turn signals. Rode WAY better than it did on the way home from Wisconsin, and there was almost no smoke after a couple minutes. Even when it started up, the smoke was just whisps and vapors mostly. Not the thick cloud it was the other day. She didn't stall on me when idling at a stop at all. I think I worry too much is what the REAL problem is.

at least I have a spare motor now though. (which looks to be in great condition, btw)

[Re-run]

Sometimes that is all you need, a good ride. If anything, you can either save the new motor or use it for a build.

[sjackson]

I think I'm just going to save it. It's a nice feeling having all those spare parts.

[free2ride]

I may be coming after it [if I don't get mine back soon!  ]