I just got the winter project underway: an '89 GS.
It hasn't run in years, but after a few hours of tinkering, it is running now! Looking good and fun to ride. These machines are amazingly durable.
It starts instantly, without problem, and idles nice, and runs very good.
But there is a fair and slightly embarrassing amount of white smoke coming from the tail pipe. I call it my skeeter killa'. :roll:
Anyway, to get it to start, I put a new battery in it, drained the old gas, sprayed a lot of carb cleaner, and put a absurd amount of fuel system cleaner in the gas.
Does anyone have any idea as to the source of the smoke? New rings needed, valve guides, etc?
I'm a newbie, so be kind.
Your absurd amount of fuel cleaner could be the culprit....Whats the exhaust smell like???
Did you squirt some oil in the cylinders before cranking her over? (Since it sat so long...)
The fuel system cleaner might be the culprit, I noticed that my engine ran crappy/smoked/smelled after I added a valve cleansing treatment.
In addition, I would change the oil.
Well, the smoke doesn't smell that bad, like a lawn mower. Not like an oil burning smell, but when I stop at a stop sign, I get this "riding mower" feeling all over.
Also, I did put some oil in the cylinders before starting, but I've have gone about 6 or 7 miles on it since then, and I also put some more gas in it. It has about 3 gallons of gas in it and enough fuel system cleaner to treat 21 gallons.
In an effort to answer my own question, I just spoke with a Suzuki mechanic.
It is always difficult to communicate when somebody as smart as he was talks to somebody as stupid as me, but. . .
I suggested to him that the rings or valve guides might be bad, needing replacement and causing the white smoke He suggested to me that there was "no way the valve guides or rings could be the problem because we never have a problem with those. . . 'click'".
Before he hung up, he also informed me that the source of my trouble was the fuel additive that I put in it.
So rest assured, GS owners! You'll never have problems with piston rings or valve guides.
Is the GS really that stout?
Aye, my laddy, like a warm Bully Porter.
3 gallons of gas and enough fuel cleaner for 21 gallons???!!!! :nono:
drain that sh!t. Put in fresh gas.
Also, check.. I bet the inside of your tank is rusted (look inside w/ flashlight)
I bet you're right. I may just keep diluting it. Use it up. Wear it out, momma used to say. I may be diluting myself.
Anyway, the smokey trail is growing on me. It is like sky writing! I did my name in the parking lot the other day. . .
Quote from: Jake DI bet you're right. I may just keep diluting it. Use it up. Wear it out, momma used to say. I may be diluting myself.
Anyway, the smokey trail is growing on me. It is like sky writing! I did my name in the parking lot the other day. . .
it's easy to drain the gas though... disconnect at the frame mounted petcock and into a gas can.. then pour that into your car's gas tank
If it made your bike smell like a lawnmower I wonder what it would make your lawnmower smell like...I wouldn't pour it in my car or else it might make it smell like a motorcycle...that would be bad.
Quote from: DomIf it made your bike smell like a lawnmower I wonder what it would make your lawnmower smell like...I wouldn't pour it in my car or else it might make it smell like a motorcycle...that would be bad.
think about it.. 21gallons worth of fuel cleaner mixed into 3 gallons of gas????
if he puts that in his car it'll be fine..
Assuming that the gas itself is fresh. :roll:
Ummm....I see that my attempt at being funny was unsuccessful...
Jake D, why didn't you use the recommended amount of fuel system cleaner? It sounds like it was way too concentrated.
You might need to use some fuel system cleaner to clean out all of the old fuel system cleaner.
Quote from: Dom
You might need to use some fuel system cleaner to clean out all of the old fuel system cleaner.
:mrgreen: That one got me, Dom :lol:
My brother tends to be my guiding light. He has a degree in automotive technology. Mine, the law.
Alas, he put the crap in the tank for me. But, hell, it worked.
The gas is fresh. I used the old gas to seal my brother's deck.
I agree, that is a lot of fuel system cleaner. Maybe I'll just drain it and move on with my life with new gas.
BTW, I thought all of the jokes were funny. :thumb:
I'm the type of guy that likes two things:
Fixing up stuff, and hot blondes with big cones.
So I'll probably have many more dumb questions. About bikes too.
You made me do it.
(http://www.mythumbspot.com/02-1003/full/02.jpg)
hey dont forget the left handed wrench when you work on the bike :roll:
:mrgreen:
Quote from: quinnbozzhey dont forget the left handed wrench when you work on the bike :roll:
:mrgreen:
You mean the left-handed metric crescent wrench?
Quote from: Jake DThe gas is fresh. I used the old gas to seal my brother's deck.
I'm glad to hear that someone finallly figured out a use for varnished gas ;)
ya the 7mm And 9mm need em both :thumb:
:cheers: