Hitchcocks Forum

Hi,
Probably a daft question, but with an air cooled engine what does a little 'white' smoke at tick over signify?

Dont notice it when running but when stationary/tickover I noticed a bit of 'white' smoke.

It's aircooled...

Memory tells me white smoke could be watercooling / head related from when i had a jap bike but it's air cooled...

Can anyine advise?

Mark

White smoke on tick over only, could be condensation/water in the exhaust evaporating, is the little drain hole clear at the lowest point of the exhaust system? Have you overfilled with the engine oil at some time?

Let me see if I can remember.... Black smoke = Rich..... Blue smoke = Oil.... White smoke = ( Surrender)I give in I can't remember.... Big Al Truro

I would trump for condensation in your exhaust... or burning coolant - but you dont have coolant so that would be unlikely

It means we have a new Pope doesn't it?
Seriously, probably condensation. If you are talking about an RE they are prone to it if used on short runs.

Thx, will try again.

Oil was changed a while ago; and have since done several hundred miles...and bike seems to run ok otherwise.

It does tick over and appears to ride ok and pulls and no hesitation.

It occurs after about a 5-10mile ride too, so does it when ticking over when warm as well...

As it's not water cooled, a little puzzeled, as I'd thought coolant first!

This was my assumption....but doesnt help when it's air-cooled! Blue smoke =oil; black smoke =fuel; White smoke =water
M

I don't think oil burning is necessarily blue, a little could be white. The blue may have been more pronounced in 2 strokes, and in my van when it has been standing, but that is due to the greater concentration being burned.The smell should give an indication and in the case of condensation whether any water droplets are being expelled. A hand near the exhaust outlet should catch them.

stretch a rag over the end of the pipe. Hold it securely as some exhausts seem to have a curiosity, and like to suck things into themselves.



(Obviously) have the engine ticking over when you see the smoke, give it as long as it takes to get some decent amount of residue, then examine the rag for oil, water, etc.



Hope this helps.

I meant 'stretched in front of the end of the pipe' remembering these things get hot.