White smoke out of shifter side exhaust

[gspower]

So after another ride around the town today I noticed a moderate amount of white or light gray smoke coming out of the left exhaust pipe. Initial research said it could be a blown head gasket, but further research on air cooled, two stroke engines posits that it might be a leaky crankcase gasket seal. What do you all think? How would I diagnose? Really not looking forward to a complete engine tear down. Is this a gasket easily replaceable?

[Steve]

..., but further research on air cooled, two stroke engines ...

Exactly what bike are you talking about?

Although many of us have different bikes, I am not sure how many of us are well-versed on two-stroke engines.

None of the GS series Suzukis had two-stroke engines, so you might be on the wrong forum entirely.

.

[gspower]

I've got a 79 GS425E. The guy that sold it to me knew nothing about it, was unsure of the year even, and was under the impression it was a 2 stroke. Guess I was wrong. I only have a mild amount of smoke out of the left exhaust.

Additionally, if this is a leaky head gasket, do I have to remove the engine from the bike to access it? I'm pretty mechanically inclined and the manual stated, I think, that I can access the head cover without removing the engine, but I'm not 100% sure. If anyone's done this, let me know.

[mrbridgeport]

I have the same bike. Why don't you run it a while. The piston rings need to get hot and reseat themselves. A lot of time the smoke will go away after you get some life and heat backin it. Why are you talking head gasket? If you need a head gasket..there would be oil seeping out between the head (top part of engine w the spark plugs) and the jugs (section of motor below the head where the pistons live). Why don't you run around on it for a good half hour or 45 minutes and see what's happening then. Also put a new set of plugs in it before hand. Be sure you check the gap in them. After riding it around a while, pull the spark plugs and see what color they are. That is going to help further diagnose what is happening with the fuel and the air. One step at a time and we can sort you through this. Everything sounds pretty normal for an old bike that has been sitting.

[Maddevill]

And if you've just discovered your new bike is actually a 4-stroke, you may want to check the valve clearances...

[Guest]

You also may want to check your oil level . If the petcock is leaking by and filling the crank with gas , it will smoke light grey if it gets full enough. What maintenance has been done?

[gspower]

I have had the bike for less than 24 hours and was going off of what the previous owner said. The previous owner didn't know anything about it. I will definitely put new plugs in, maybe iridiums, and check them after a long ride when my plates come. Oil level looks alright but I haven't changed it yet. Maintenance? Hah. I doubt there has been any maintenance at all on it. I'm a little limited on resources right now. Thanks for the replies -- means a lot.

[gspower]

Pulled the plugs today ... the right side looked good, a nice brown, but the left side (the side I'm smoking from) was pretty blacked. I put a little Seafoam in the tank to blow the crap out of the carbs before tearing them down, and took it out for a spin ... holy cow, what a difference in acceleration. Will be giving it an oil change in the next few days too, once my filter arrives at the local auto store.

[Steve]

I will definitely put new plugs in, maybe iridiums, ... I'm a little limited on resources right now.

You are "limited on resources" and you want to get Iridiums?

I wish I was that "limited".

Save your money, the stock NGK B8ES plugs work just fine.

.

[gspower]

You are "limited on resources" and you want to get Iridiums?

I wish I was that "limited".

Save your money, the stock NGK B8ES plugs work just fine.

.

lol, Steve. I'm not limited financially. All of my tools are in my other shed 350 miles away. That being said, I did buy a set of stock B8ES plugs.