White Smoke From Top of Head

[sanfranciscoave]

Hey guys, I just finished doing a complete engine rebuild of my 1981 GS650E and now after the engine gets warm, some starts to come out of the top of the engine (cam shaft cover). I also noticed very small bubbles (I'm guessing of air, I don't really know) coming from the gasket under the cam shaft cover. This is not only my first build but this is my first motorcycle as well so I really have no idea why its smoking. What do you guys think? Thank you!

[Burque73]

Did you install the cam cover gasket dry? If you sprayed it with wd40 or something that may explain a little. I soaked mine in hopes of getting it off easier next time and possibly reusing it. It was kind of juicy for a little bit but dry now. Oh, what kind of gasket was it?

[hillsy]

Remember these are air cooled engines, so if you're running them in the summer and letting them sit they can quickly overheat.

Also, if you're re-built the engine there is a lot of additional bedding in and associated friction with components like piston rings that will add to the heat factor.

[sanfranciscoave]

I put the cam cover in dry. I live in the SF bay area and it hasn't been that hot here. Today was 74 degrees and i had the bike on for about 15 minutes while I was trying to liquid sync the carbs. should I just leave everything as it is and then see if it still smokes once I'm riding it on the road?

[hillsy]

That's a long time to have the bike idling - did you have a fan on the motor?

Just ride it and see how it goes.