Topic: I almost hate to ask this question

[JWilde]

Ive had bad experiences on the net. Oftentimes a person asks, out of need,  a simple question and people stomp all over you. it sucks, but....

anyway,

I have a 1972 Honda CB. While it was sitting a few weeks back, i sprayed the exhaust down with WD40 to get some of the surface rust off.

today while I was in the garage, I started the bike. I am new to bikes and have only had this bike a while. I got the shop manual to educate myself, but Im still green and feeling stupid, and afraid to ask questions.

Anyway, while idlling, i saw a little white smoke coming from the exhaust area. I figured that was stuff burning off. But as a newbie, I didnt realize you dont let a bike like that idle for that long. Anyway, i shut it off, went to get gas in a gas can, came back and clumsily poured that into the tank, and a lot of it spilled over the bike. Ugh.

I waited about 10 min and started the bike. for the next 5 min, white/gray smoke came from under the tank. What the hell is this?

And please dont pounce on me or etc. I just want some help on this.

thanks

[BobbyR]

Sometimes even in stop and go traffic these air cooled engines will get very hot. Usually, when they get that hot oil and grease will begin to burn off. You may have had some oil on the valve cover or in the cylinder fins that was burning off. You need to put a box fan in front of the motor.

[mystic_1]

It sounds to me like you've just got oil and gas residue "burning" off.

Give the bike a good wash, dry it thoroughly, and see what happens next.

Don't use a pressure washer btw, that'll blast water through the seals etc, and you don't need to be that vigorous anyway.

I like to use old paintbrushes to get into nooks and crannies and between the fins while washing a bike.

Don't feel bad for being new to all this, you've already taken two important steps, acquiring a manual and asking questions from people who know.  Good on you!

mystic_1

[Gene]

WHAT!!!!???   

[Gene]

Sorry - didn't want you to feel disappointed.  You'll be fine here.  There is a wealth of information.

[JWilde]

thanks so much!! Really appreciate it!

[JWilde]

Thanks so much. I was in another forum (*cough cough DTT) and they were horrible. So nice to see nice folks here!! You feel pretty vulnerable when you are panicking and you dont know much, but you lot have really helped!

Thanks!!!

[jonda500]

Nothing to fear in this forum! Discussions can get rather robust sometimes but if anyone ever gets nasty you'll find plenty of nice members very quick to defend you - really don't be afraid to ask anything about your bike here!
John

[JWilde]

Thanks so much John. I want to post before and after pics of my bike but Im also afraid the purists might get upset. When I posted in in another forum ppl were upset that I turned the bike into a brat style.

Thanks so much for being so welcoming!!!

[jonda500]

There are all types in here, some will prolly say you've wrecked it, others will like it and compliment you - but it is your bike and your right to do whatever you like to it! If it was a totally 100% original surviver before and now has been all chopped up then some members will definitely find that upsetting cause the 350F's are getting quite rare. Still is good that the bike has an owner that loves it and cares for it though!
I imagine many members here get very emotional about their bikes - I sure do!
John 

[JWilde]

This is it.
Top pic is "After."
Bottom pic is "before."

[jamesbekman]

You will be getting a flood of emails wondering what you did with all the original parts...  That's for sure. 

[JWilde]

There are in a place where I can get them. Stored.

[danyo]

You will be getting a flood of emails wondering what you did with all the original parts...  That's for sure.

Seriously, I'm looking  for headlight, rear grab bar, left fork ear, one side cover badge. Let me know if you willing to sell stock parts.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[JWilde]

You will be getting a flood of emails wondering what you did with all the original parts...  That's for sure.

Seriously, I'm looking  for headlight, rear grab bar, left fork ear, one side cover badge. Let me know if you willing to sell stock parts.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Yeah Danyo you can have them cheap. Im generous and I have no use. both side covers too.

[danyo]

Please check how much will be shipping to 60446 and let me know. Also PM me your PayPal email and I hope we have a deal. Thanks

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[70CB750]

This is it.
Top pic is "After."
Bottom pic is "before."

Nice bike 

Now the real question:  What kind of oil are you running in it? 

[evanphi]

This is it.
Top pic is "After."
Bottom pic is "before."

Nice bike 

Now the real question:  What kind of oil are you running in it? 

Don't encourage him.

[two40]

This is it.
Top pic is "After."
Bottom pic is "before."

Nice bike 

Now the real question:  What kind of oil are you running in it? 

Pure zinc in that one I reckon. Nothing but the best!

[JWilde]

Thanks!

Currently running castrol 10W/40

[Stev-o]

Thanks!

Currently running castrol 10W/40

Is that the best oil for a CB??

[JWilde]

Ive heard either that or 10W30.

[JWilde]

Thanks for the compliment!!

[OneWheelDrive]

Either this guy is a complete troll, or he just doesn't understand how these forums work.

[flybox1]

Either this guy is a complete troll, or he just doesn't understand how these forums work.

10w40 for town riding
20w50 for distance riding
Belray EXL Mineral 4T or Valvoline VR1, adequate zinc, no detergents, and safe on our wet clutches.
there are others, but castrol auto oil is garbage for our bikes