XS11 Smoking When It First Starts

[Kynan C.]

My engine knowledge as far as tuning is not as strong as it should be.

When I start my XS1100, it starts right up, however smokes pretty heavy out of both pipes for the first 5 minutes it's running. Once I get out and ride no smoke at all, even at idle.

Why would it smoke so heavy when started? Is it running rich or lean? I did rebuild the carbs sometime ago and now live 4000 ft higher then before.

Any info would be great!

 

[Larry Fine]

Black smoke = too much fuel
Blue smoke = burning oil
White smoke = water (n/a)

 

[Saxonplace]

If its suddenly started smoking out of both pipes I would think fuel more likly than oil as that would point to a least 2 cylinders developing an oil leak together, maybe choke sticking? Sorry its been a long while since I had an XS so memory is a bit vague.

Sorry for the quality, pre-digital I am afraid.

 

[steppenwolf]

Put some Seafoam in the tank....I blow alot of black smoke if I get on it hard but that is cause I drive easy most of the time and carbon build up.
Why just at start up? Do you have an octy or has it been removed. I still have mine so I don't have to turn the gas off when I stop.Sounds like some fuel leakage.
If it starts and runs alright,I wouldn't worry about it.Let it clear up.If oil glass starts filling up then it sounds like a sticking float.

 

[Larry Fine]

Why just at start up?

If it's blue (oil) smoke, it could be oil running down the valve stems, meaning the valve stem seals are leaking. Common cause of oils smoke for just-started engines.

 

[aliensatemybuick]

As my Dad used to say "Its old enough to smoke".

But seriously folks - could it be a problem with rings seating properly when cold, then when everything heats up / expands, that goes away?

 

[steppenwolf]

We were being serious.We were just tossing out a few thoughts.How many miles on the engine?
Has it sat for decades in a barn?Is it low mileage around 30,000.Like I said Seafom will help the carbs some and can be put in in the engine.Read and follow all label directions.

 

[Larry Fine]

Gravity supports the valve-stem seal leakage theory, while oil would drain away from the rings (unless the bike were toppled).

 

[aliensatemybuick]

Gonna have to disagree with you there; worn rings or rings that are not seated properly can and do lead to smoke / oil consumption. Not saying it is definitely the case here though.

 

[Kynan C.]

Well, the bike has super low miles, around 17k. I have not been into the running side of things for many years, they usually just run decent. It seemed to start on my card rebuild. I did sync the carbs, perhaps just running rich.... I will take a video this weekend and post. Thanks everybody for the information.

 

[brianinpa]

Does it smoke equal amounts of smoke out both sides and are the pipes connected with a cross-over pipe?

How do you park the bike: center or side stand?

Does it do it even if starting when the motor is already warmed up? If not, then this most likely rules out the valve stem seals leaking.

My thought is that if is only does it when the motor is cold and not when it warms up, then you might be looking at rings not sealing correctly.

 

[Larry Fine]

We still haven't heard the color of the smoke. If it's black, it could be simple over-choking.

 

[brianinpa]

True Dat!

 

[steppenwolf]

A roll your own,it is california ya know

 

[Kynan C.]

I will have all the answers this weekend. I didn't really pay attention to the color of the smoke. I am thinking it was white.

 

[steppenwolf]

I blow white smoke or steam all the time when starting,just condensation I am guessing.I have the same engine with 85k plus on it.I would ignore it myself. Just like a car does when it is cold out,normal.
Forgot, there are drain bolts at the bottom of the header pipes to remove excess water.10 mm I think.

 

[steppenwolf]

If I thought my bike would start I would take a picture and see if that is what you mean but it was -15 here last night,20w50...three year old battery,not been out of garage for over two years...Heck I'll give it a try.



Edit,it cranked and started for a second but float was stuck ,waiting a little bit and try again,heck I just might get that picture I want.Didn't think I had a chance but I guess that Wal Mart oil and lawnmower battery are pulling me thru.Usually when it is cold out the starter doesn't engage just spins till it warms up.Engines are indestructible.

Tried again,got about two seconds running,will try tomorrow again.Have three to six inches of snow coming tonite.

 

[steppenwolf]

Ok got it running today,only on three cyl's #1 not running,thinking gas fouled plug.Blowing white smoke but camera did not catch it,not the best back ground.

 

[Kynan C.]

Tomorrow I am going to GoPro that babe! Stay tuned!

 

[Kynan C.]

Ok, so I did my smoke check and of course it didnt really smoke. Maybe it was just smoking because it needed to be rode? I did ride it last week for an hour or so.

Well, here is the video, that shows an ever so slight amount of smoke out one pipe.