Still Smokin'

End of the season last year, I decided to re-build the top end as the smoke on start up was getting embarrassing. New valves, guides & rings over the winter and yet its still burning excessive oil on the right side. Really very frustrating.

So now where to? Perhaps I should have replaced the head gasket rather than my standard anneal? I don't know; at a loss. Anywhere else I should be looking? I've already been through the over-oiling in the head issue. I'm heading out side now to curse at the thing but now I'm ready to sell it.

BC

New oil seals on the valves? Bore within tolerances for the size piston? Fresh hone along with those new rings? oil return holes in cylinders clear and sealed from combustion? Obvious stuff, but something is overlooked.

Yes, all the obvious stuff checked. I just re-torqued the head bolts and will set off again for a test. Could you explain oil return holes "sealed from combustion"? I'm not too clear on what you mean by that. The return holes were all clear.

The reason of my 850 smoking was rocker shaft installed wrong way round.
" http://www.nortonownersclub.org/support ... ing-engine "
Mikko

Stillreel said:

Could you explain oil return holes "sealed from combustion"? I'm not too clear on what you mean by that. The return holes were all clear.

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I was told to (and did) apply some gasket sealer around the oil return and push-rod holes. I've herd some people put copper wire around them.

Stillreel said:

New valves, guides & rings over the winter and yet its still burning excessive oil on the right side.

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Is your RH plug showing oil. How is the "still burning oil" manifesting itself? If the RH plug is dry I would look to the exhaust valve guide. Assuming there is smoke, is it only upon starting after sitting for a while (could indicate wet sumping) or is the smoke on acceleration or is the smoke on closed throttle deceleration?

I recall the RH4 heads tend to crack on the intake port longitudinal to the port and adjacent to the guide; certain other heads may do the same. Oil actually leaks from the back of the valve spring pocket into the port. Perhaps you rebuilt a bad RH4 head. What head is it? Were valve seals used and if so, are they still in place?

Care must be exercised when using a sealant around the oil return hole on the RH rear of head/gasket and barrel. This hole is the drain for the intake valve spring pockets.

Answers to the above questions would be helpful as well as the model and year.

Seems to be an intermittent issue. Tightened the head bolts and it now seems ~ .... ooookay. I take back all those nasty things I call it. No longer for sale.

Stillreel said:

End of the season last year, I decided to re-build the top end as the smoke on start up was getting embarrassing. New valves, guides & rings over the winter and yet its still burning excessive oil on the right side. Really very frustrating.

So now where to? Perhaps I should have replaced the head gasket rather than my standard anneal? I don't know; at a loss. Anywhere else I should be looking? I've already been through the over-oiling in the head issue. I'm heading out side now to curse at the thing but now I'm ready to sell it.

BC

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".... the smoke on start up ...." Could it be nothing more than wet sumping?

Slick

Stillreel said:

Seems to be an intermittent issue. Tightened the head bolts and it now seems ~ .... ooookay. I take back all those nasty things I call it. No longer for sale.

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How many miles since the rebuild?

My T140 has just had a rebore with the new 'Hepolite' pistons with anonymous rings (which I understand are Hastings) and it was smoking worse than an H2 Kawa with the chokes on for the first few start-ups. Thankfully it's settling down OK. Perhaps yours is doing the same?

When mine used to smoke from wet sumping , it was from both pipes as I recall , not just from one side .... maybe it will settle in and treat you right after some more rides and miles .... good luck
Craig