Sound Guy Posted March 12, 2018 Share Posted March 12, 2018 I just finished a 50,000 km (35,000 mile) tune up on my new (to me) R1200ST. The only things I did that were internal were to adjust the valves, replace spark plugs and clean the K&N filter, but I did have to remove the tank to do the brake fluid flush. Now that it is back together, I started her up and she seems to run fine, except that when the engine gets warm it blows white smoke, not a thick cloud but still very noticeable. This is not condensation as the smoke was too thick for the air temperature at the time. Since there is no coolant in a Hexhead, I have ruled that out. I'm not sure if over-oiling a K&N filter would cause smoke, or what colour that smoke would be, so I am asking the community. Lastly, could I have done something during the valve adjustment or tank installation that might have caused this? (There are no errors on the GS-911) Link to comment
dirtrider Posted March 12, 2018 Share Posted March 12, 2018 I just finished a 50,000 km (35,000 mile) tune up on my new (to me) R1200ST. The only things I did that were internal were to adjust the valves, replace spark plugs and clean the K&N filter, but I did have to remove the tank to do the brake fluid flush. Now that it is back together, I started her up and she seems to run fine, except that when the engine gets warm it blows white smoke, not a thick cloud but still very noticeable. This is not condensation as the smoke was too thick for the air temperature at the time. Since there is no coolant in a Hexhead, I have ruled that out. I'm not sure if over-oiling a K&N filter would cause smoke, or what colour that smoke would be, so I am asking the community. Lastly, could I have done something during the valve adjustment or tank installation that might have caused this? (There are no errors on the GS-911) Afternoon Sound Guy Where do you live (weather wise)? You might be just burning off crankcase moisture. The hexhead has a crankcase ventilation pump that pumps/vents the crankcase into the air cleaner. I wouldn't read too much into white smoke until you take the bike for a good high speed run to purge the crankcase & clear the cat. Link to comment
Sound Guy Posted March 12, 2018 Author Share Posted March 12, 2018 Thanks DR, I live in Canada and there is still snow on the ground, but it was melting on that day, so condensate shouldn't have been visible. Condensate was all I could think of too (other than the filter oil or getting oil in the airbox). I plan to do exactly what you suggest in the absence of any other obvious causes in a few weeks when it is safe to ride. Link to comment
sardineone Posted March 13, 2018 Share Posted March 13, 2018 SG, I've never had that smoke from the exhaust on my ST so can't nail down the cause, but I have to say hi as I do my own service on my ST as well. I'll be at the Chateau Beauvallon (with the Rainriders) on May 18th & 19th with my R1200ST for you to check my exhaust at 47,000 miles. Link to comment
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