Topic: My cylinder #1 conundrum

[DavePhipps]

Here in lies my problem.
Oil on #1 spark plug, and oil smells like gas.
Pretty simple diagnosis, cylinder #1 isn't sealing. Could be a piston, ring, or cylinder issue.
This bike is my only form of transportation and I cannot have it down for long.
Should I search for a set of .25 overbore pistons and rings and get it all done at once, or take the pistons and cylinders out and diagnose? Which would be the most expedient?

[scunny]

could be a blocked carb over flow and sticky float combo. compression or leakdown test would confirm rings or valves.

[TwoTired]

Why would you diagnose a piston, ring, cylinder issue without first doing a compression test, or a leak down test?

[DavePhipps]

I don't have a leakdown tester and the compression tester is lost during the divorce. From th symptoms it would seem that there is lack of sealing in the cylinder.
I can afford to buy parts or pay for diagnostics, but not both, hence the conundrum.
My jobs has been cut to 13 hours a week, funding is so tight that my debit card screams when I use it. I am looking for a new job so hopefully my finacial condition will improve larer.

[tango911]

and you ride it in this weather we are having?

[TwoTired]

Wait, so you think throwing money at parts you may or may not need is better than putting money in a tool that will tell you what you need?

A leaky stem guide can oil up a plug, as can a cylinder that isn't firing.  Have you checked that all the head pipes get hot?

[DavePhipps]

Main roads are fine down here in Btown. You just have to be careful about cornering.

@TT, pipe is not getting hot the plug is so fouled that there is no spark. I thought with the oil smelling like gas that it would be a ring or cylinder issue.
Can a valve issue cause that also? I've never had a problem like this, so I'm in uncharted territory for me.   

[tango911]

sell your 500 or 550, then youll have plenty of money to fix this one

[kck3]

I would first off check the compression-like others have said it could be a simple carb related issue.

[DavePhipps]

sell your 500 or 550, then youll have plenty of money to fix this one

This is the 500, and it's the only bike in (basically) one piece.
I'll see if my nieghbor has a compression tester.

[tango911]

ahh,  if you lived closer id be glad to lend you a compression tool.
good luck.

[TwoTired]

Main roads are fine down here in Btown. You just have to be careful about cornering.

@TT, pipe is not getting hot the plug is so fouled that there is no spark. I thought with the oil smelling like gas that it would be a ring or cylinder issue.
Can a valve issue cause that also? I've never had a problem like this, so I'm in uncharted territory for me.   

Will the spark plug from the dead cylinder work in other cylinders? Swap some plugs around or put in a new one
A plug can foul/fail from not having a spark.  Proper combustion will make the plugs self clean.

You may also have a bent valve that doesn't allow the chamber to develop pressure on the rings, which in turn, allows oil to pump past them and collect in the cylinders.

You may yet have a cylinder mechanical issue.  I just think there isn't enough info to declare that yet. IMO
Even a bad ring or worn cylinder will still allow it to fire.  A hole in the piston or chamber won't fire though, because there is no compression.

Cheers,

[tango911]

thanks TT i rub my eyes very time i see your avatar 

[DavePhipps]

I'll have to try switching the plugs tomorrow. Too much going on around the house right now.
I'l update this tomorrow evening.

[TwoTired]

thanks TT i rub my eyes very time i see your avatar 

Won't help.      Do a google search on "demodex mites".

You are never alone!