White smoke when accelerating
Discussion
Hi all. Went for a blast today and the bloke behind me said that when I accelerated hard there was a small puff of white smoke coming from the exhaust. Bike is an SV650S. Is this likely to be a problem? He said it smelt a fair bit. I recently changed the oil and filter. Coolant level is slightly under full. Any one got any ideas. Thanks. Praying that this isn't a head gasket.
TheThing said:
Hi all. Went for a blast today and the bloke behind me said that when I accelerated hard there was a small puff of white smoke coming from the exhaust. Bike is an SV650S. Is this likely to be a problem? He said it smelt a fair bit. I recently changed the oil and filter. Coolant level is slightly under full. Any one got any ideas. Thanks. Praying that this isn't a head gasket.
You may have hit the nail on the head sadly 
Keep an eye on your engine oil and look for any white mayo that builds up if water is mixing with the oil.
A quick compression test might be worth doing as well, see if you're down on a cylinder...
Thanks for the reply. I checked when I got home and gave the bike a rev while stationary. Its not thick smoke. More like a thin vapour if you give it the beans. Would it not be obvious if it was down a cylinder it being a twin? Its not making any unusual noises and there is no mayo build up in the oil. Its not a particularly old bike. Its a 16 plate with 20000 miles on it.
lolKeep an eye on the coolant level. if it drops then its probably the HG.I wouldn't just keep topping the coolant up! that could ruin the bearings if the oil is polluted with water or overheat and warp the head.
Take it into a garage and ask them to have a look at it. a compression test shouldn't be very expensive, and a HG wont be the end of the world, especially at this early stage because it hasn't overheated or ruined the bearings.
Take it into a garage and ask them to have a look at it. a compression test shouldn't be very expensive, and a HG wont be the end of the world, especially at this early stage because it hasn't overheated or ruined the bearings.
trickywoo said:
Those engines are pretty indestructible so while it could be HG I’d find it unlikely at that age and mileage.
Sure it’s the correct oil filter and not been overfilled?
Is it standard?
Ye they have got a good reputation for reliability. Been around for 20 odd years now so they are tried and tested. HG failure is pretty rare for an SV as far as I'm aware but that doesn't mean it won't happen to me! Only mods are an end can and K and N air filter. Ye definitely correct filter and definitely not over filled.Sure it’s the correct oil filter and not been overfilled?
Is it standard?
mad4amanda said:
How warm was the engine when this happened was it the start of a ride or the end?
It been pretty chilly today and what was seen could just be getting rid of condensation and nothing to be concerned about.
It was quite far into the ride. Maybe 25 miles. Person behind said it was happening when I whacked the throttle fully open. Just a very faint puff of white smoke. That stank. It been pretty chilly today and what was seen could just be getting rid of condensation and nothing to be concerned about.
Maybe dodgy fuel? Was there any feeling of power loss? White smoke isn't always coolant - you'll get it with too much oil or fuel too - I've seen a few injectors go full open and that can be pretty spectacular (think low-level red arrows display team!!)
Might be worth checking the plugs - if it is a head gasket then I'd expect to see a really clean plug on the offending cylinder. Pressurise the cooling system and leave the plugs out over night - if it really is gone you'll end up with coolant in the cylinder which you'll see when you next wind it over......
Might be worth checking the plugs - if it is a head gasket then I'd expect to see a really clean plug on the offending cylinder. Pressurise the cooling system and leave the plugs out over night - if it really is gone you'll end up with coolant in the cylinder which you'll see when you next wind it over......
Thanks for all of the replies. It is much appreciated. I didn't change the plugs this time round as they were done at the last service 4000 miles ago but I will get them out and have a look. I will also check the air filter for oil. As for fuel, nothing dodgy, that last full tank was from a well known supermarket station. Also no power loss either. Engine feels completely normal.
TheThing said:
It was quite far into the ride. Maybe 25 miles. Person behind said it was happening when I whacked the throttle fully open. Just a very faint puff of white smoke. That stank.
At the risk of over simplifying...if it stank, what did it smell of? Coolant, fuel and oil all smell completely different even when burnt in an engine. Unfortunately a little fluid gives a lot of smoke so it may be a while before a level change shows which it is (and if it's fuel you'll be filling up anyway). If coolant it should be more like steam which "evaporates" quickly, whereas running rich tends to give blacker smoke and oil smoke has a blue tinge. Oil and fuel smoke tend to take longer to disperse. Obviously all a generalisation.Pulling the plugs will be worthwhile as you can compare the two and see if there is an issue on one cylinder and at least narrow things down.
carinaman said:
16 plate SV has a Catalytic Converter? Was it a Cat Fart?
Its an L2 so as far as I'm aware was built in 2012 and sat in a dealer for 4 years before anyone decided to buy it. I might be wrong but I thought on sv's the cat was in the end can. Mine has got an aftermarket can on it so no cat?Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff