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SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB500/550 => Topic started by: Malc (Malvis) on December 02, 2022, 04:18:56 PM

Title: 3 & 4 smoky
Post by: Malc (Malvis) on December 02, 2022, 04:18:56 PM
Hi guys,

My CB500 isn’t on the road yet, so I’ve been starting her up about once a week. Just recently checked & adjusted valve clearances, points & timing etc. As per manual. Last week I let her run for about 5 mins then noticed exhausts 3 & 4 were clear to start with then started to smoke a bit, didn’t seem to be oily smoke, more white in colour so thought it”s probably condensation. Done exactly the same this week. 1 & 2 have nothing but 3 & 4 started to smoke a bit again after a few minutes running. Is this anything to worry about guys, maybe just needs a good run when I get on the road. Any suggestions. Cheers.
Title: Re: 3 & 4 smoky
Post by: deltarider on December 02, 2022, 04:40:57 PM
First, what was the outside temperature?
Title: Re: 3 & 4 smoky
Post by: philward on December 02, 2022, 04:46:37 PM
And was water (condensation) coming out of 3 & 4?
Title: Re: 3 & 4 smoky
Post by: Malc (Malvis) on December 02, 2022, 05:06:21 PM
It was about 6 degrees and yes some drips from all 4 from the drain holes. No sing of water from the ends
Title: Re: 3 & 4 smoky
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on December 02, 2022, 08:30:07 PM
It might be a different story when you ride the bike normally.
Title: Re: 3 & 4 smoky
Post by: Laverda Dave on December 02, 2022, 08:32:17 PM
I really wouldn't be starting it up every week and letting it idle on choke, it needs to be ridden. Don't forget for every gallon of fuel you burn you produce more water as condensation. It takes 10 miles of riding to get the pipes up to temperature where they burn off the water produced. If you are not riding the bike all that condensation will sit in the low points of the silencers and rot them from within. Starting it up and running on choke also allows the very rich fuel mixture to get into the oil leading to oil contamination and producing acids that will corrode bearings, bores etc.
I wouldn't worry for now about what you are seeing, take it for a long run and then check it.
Title: Re: 3 & 4 smoky
Post by: Malc (Malvis) on December 02, 2022, 09:46:22 PM
Thanks for the advice 👍