Author Topic: White smoke or steam. Is this normal?  (Read 722 times)

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Offline FLo

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White smoke or steam. Is this normal?
« on: June 27, 2009, 12:33:15 PM »
Hi guys, just need some insight on an observation with my 1978 CB550K.  Whenever I ride her hard, I notice some white smoke or steam coming out of the down pipe of the airbox... well, at least it looks like it's coming from there.  Not too much smoke, but enough to notice it.  Is this normal? or do I have a major issue I have to deal with?

Thanks in advance for you tips.

FLo from Vancouver, BC

Offline TwoTired

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Re: White smoke or steam. Is this normal?
« Reply #1 on: June 27, 2009, 12:54:17 PM »
Each time the engine cools down, any humidity condenses on the interior walls of the motor.  Next time the engine heats up it turns this water to steam vapor IF the engine is run long enough and gets hot enough.

Further, there is a breather element filter at the bottom of the filter box that must be periodically cleaned/cleared and reinstalled for the engine breather system to work properly.  If it clogs, you get more condensation buildup in the engine.  Addressing this, is part of the routine maintenance schedule, but seems to be frequently overlooked.

Cheers,

Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline FLo

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Re: White smoke or steam. Is this normal?
« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2009, 12:58:23 PM »
Thanks as usual for this very important informative advice TT.