Cylinder #2 Not Firing

[NobleHops]

Strong urging to do it, 100%. My head has never been off and my bike runs great, but smokes on startup, attributable to these old seals.

[pgilliam1]

Recommendation acknowledged. I'm familiar with valve seals in that I have a 1982 Toyota pickup that has the same smoking at startup. I've always wondered if the oil getting passed these seals and coating the internals might be a good thing in that it would reduce friction at startup which is the hardest thing on an engine.

[cross]

Oil needs to be below the piston not on top.
When oil gets to the cylinder it exits out of the exhaust, hence the smoke.
There is no benefit there.
My engine also smokes when cold and once the riding season is over, I'll be pulling the head off and replacing the seals as well as lapp my valves.
Your shop may or may not do this kind of work, ask them.
I would also call around for machine shops or engine builders that specialize in motorcycle engines and ask them how much it would cost to have your head done.
They will remove the valves, measure guides for wear, lap valves against their seats and install new seals.
Ask them not to hot tank it so the paint doesn't come off.
You may save some money this way

[pgilliam1]

I forwarded the post with the seal info. We'll see what they say and I'll also ask about having it machined. THX.

[genesound]

Hi, I'm known as genesound and have signed up here now so those of you wanting the high quality Viton valve stem seals can be assured I'll be looking forward to chatting and handling your orders. I'll keep the info in the Vendors section current. Thanks all.

[pgilliam1]

So the shop is going to lapp the valves and put in new seals. Charges will be around 2 hrs. labor + parts. One of the valves in the damaged area is not sealing, so they're taking the head to a machine shop to see if a new seat will fix it. I feel a huge hole in my budget coming very soon.

[Sharpie66]

.......... I feel a huge hole in my budget coming very soon.

.......I ride because every now and then I experience moments of bliss that I don't feel doing anything else but riding. I don't get those feelings from every bike I ride, but I have had them when riding this bike and I really look forward to those moments.

......ah but bliss is priceless

Soon you will only be thinking about the wind in your face, the thrill of throttling through the gears, the attention you get every time you stop somewhere and, one of my faves, the feeling of taking this big, beautiful machine with a full touring package from 1982 and just lighting her up past the kids on their crotch rockets or, ahem, those loud Harleys.
Patrick

[pgilliam1]

.......... I feel a huge hole in my budget coming very soon.

.......I ride because every now and then I experience moments of bliss that I don't feel doing anything else but riding. I don't get those feelings from every bike I ride, but I have had them when riding this bike and I really look forward to those moments.

......ah but bliss is priceless

Soon you will only be thinking about the wind in your face, the thrill of throttling through the gears, the attention you get every time you stop somewhere and, one of my faves, the feeling of taking this big, beautiful machine with a full touring package from 1982 and just lighting her up past the kids on their crotch rockets or, ahem, those loud Harleys.
Patrick

Well said and well taken. THX -

[pgilliam1]

Still no update from the machine shop as to if the head will need a new valve seat. I'm assuming they are forging ahead with lapping and cleaning? I will call tomorrow and see where they are. The shop I took it to is very busy this time of year, but I was hoping to be riding it by now. I guess as long as they do a nice job and don't gouge me I will be thankful. Not knowing what's going on and how much it's going to cost is the hard part.

[cross]

Give them time, its not good to push things, you want them to get it done properly not quickly.
You will be riding it before you know it.
Sasha

[pgilliam1]

Update:
Waiting on a couple of new valves and new intake boots. The head cleaned up just fine.
Best outcome for a bad mistake I guess.

[cross]

Cool, I'm glad things ended up well.
Are they going to clean your carbs as well?

[pgilliam1]

Yes, I asked them to clean the carbs while they're at it. The boots were cracking and needed to be replaced, so they were coming off anyway. I hope I get several years of riding out of her after all this expense.

[cross]

You definitely will!

[pgilliam1]

UPDATE:

Bike is getting put back together as parts are received (new intake boots, valves, gaskets, etc.). Total bill is now at $2K, inc. carb rebuild and labor (will obviously be more when finished). Labor is now at $1,300.00.

That was an expensive lock washer, but it could have been worse! I've added an LED lighted inspection mirror to my tool box.

Live and Hopefully Learn!