Author Topic: Smoke at high RPM  (Read 896 times)

Offline Athame57

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Smoke at high RPM
« on: August 30, 2019, 07:13:04 PM »
Discussing an oil leak on CB400F2 with someone oop Blackheath today and I revved the engine up to the red line a few times in neutral, which I hardly ever do. It produced grey smoke so it must be burning some oil off, but I can't say anything actually sounds bad...your thoughts?
I brake for animals!
1978 CB400F2 called Elen.

Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: Smoke at high RPM
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2019, 09:08:26 PM »
When I was lucky enough to have studied motor engineering at my local comp school (in the 70`s!) I was always taught to never run an engine up to maximum revs with no load on it as that's when things can break in a big way. Admittedly this was back in the days of big tolerance engines but then again a 400/4 goes back to that period.
1976 Honda 400/4
1977 Rickman Honda CR750
1999 Honda VFR 800FX
1955 750 Dresda Triton
1978 Moto Morini 350 Sport
1978 Honda CB400/4 'Rat' bike
1982 Laverda 120 Jota

Offline Trigger

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Re: Smoke at high RPM
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2019, 09:53:09 PM »
When I was lucky enough to have studied motor engineering at my local comp school (in the 70`s!) I was always taught to never run an engine up to maximum revs with no load on it as that's when things can break in a big way. Admittedly this was back in the days of big tolerance engines but then again a 400/4 goes back to that period.

Yep, that is the easiest way to bend and throw a rod  ;)

Offline Athame57

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Re: Smoke at high RPM
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2019, 10:05:40 PM »
When I was lucky enough to have studied motor engineering at my local comp school (in the 70`s!) I was always taught to never run an engine up to maximum revs with no load on it as that's when things can break in a big way. Admittedly this was back in the days of big tolerance engines but then again a 400/4 goes back to that period.

Yep, that is the easiest way to bend and throw a rod  ;)
I know...I know! With this bike it was a first for someone who begged to for the camera!
I brake for animals!
1978 CB400F2 called Elen.

Offline Athame57

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Re: Smoke at high RPM
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2019, 10:07:36 PM »
...what I really want to know though is what does the smoke mean...is she ill?
I brake for animals!
1978 CB400F2 called Elen.

Offline Bryanj

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Re: Smoke at high RPM
« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2019, 10:16:23 PM »
99% of smoke is bad, especially from a loom. But it depends a large amount on colour and timing(of smoke that is not ignition)

Offline TrickyMicky

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Re: Smoke at high RPM
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2019, 10:30:17 PM »
Starting with the basics, burning oil gives blue smoke, rich running (too much fuel) gives black smoke. A cold engine or cold exhaust will emit white water vapour (steam) which many people mistakenly call white smoke. If the engine sound ok take it for a 5 or 6 mile ride accelerating up to about 7,500 rpm in the gears and keep listening. Return home and have a good long look and listen. Don't rev it that high again in neutral, it's the same effect as trying to pedal a push bike really fast without a chain on, your legs will tell you what the con-rods are going through! Hope all is well, if it ain't broke don't fix it, and carry a mobile phone with your AA/RAC card! Stay Upright, Michael.

Offline Athame57

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Re: Smoke at high RPM
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2019, 10:40:32 PM »
Thanks Mickey.....alas, I must get  a new mobile and keep it secret...I threw the last one in the river Thames to get my dearest off my back! The one before that is now a piece of modern art.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcbTAkW0rAw 
I brake for animals!
1978 CB400F2 called Elen.

 

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