rings or bearings or ???

Yes, #1 and #2. I pulled #3 and #4 just then, and they're both pretty
black but that's from fouling due to the troubles of getting it
started in the first place. Only the first two were really oily. So I
guess a compression test is definitely the next step then, as that
will give some better info on what is going on. I will put the new
plugs in and try running it for a short time and then check them -
that should be enough to confirm if it is just those two cylinders
that are a problem.

Damien
GPX250 -> CBR600 -> F650/R1200GS (when the $$$ are there!)

 

Well, it runs fine with new plugs in it. Just waiting for everything
to cool down a bit before I pull the plugs out again to see what state
they're in. Compression check will still have to wait until I can
actually get a tester.

Damien
GPX250 -> CBR600 -> F650/R1200GS (when the $$$ are there!)

 

I am thinking possible blow by and take a look at breather blocks , it's
also quite possible some oil wicked past the dodgy guide seals you
installed dependant on the lean when parked .

 

How do you mean?

And what do you mean by "dodgy"?

Damien
GPX250 -> CBR600 -> F650/R1200GS (when the $$$ are there!)

 

I just pulled the plugs, and they look just fine after the 10 minute
ride I went for earlier. Would it reasonable to assume that if it was
a rings problem, there would be some sign of oil, or would it take
more than that? A compression test to be absolutely certain is
probably still a very good idea, I would think.

As for the "dodgy" seals, wouldn't that have showed up as a problem a
lot earlier, rather than 18 months down the track (at least in terms
of anything that could be connected to the work I had done)? It's
pretty obvious I'm no mechanic, but surely there would have been some
indications previously that something was amiss, rather than a bike
that has been running trouble free until the problem first surfaced a
week or so ago?

Damien
GPX250 -> CBR600 -> F650/R1200GS (when the $$$ are there!)

 

Well it's simple , the guides are meant to seal reasonably well , now
the replacement rubber seal might keep some out but they will wick some
as well , so was the bike left on a lean ? might be the solution as
even new seals wont be a guarantee of oil tightness no matter how hard
you want it to , removing the head if the compression is good and
repairing the guides either through a knurl or replacement may be an option/

 

I winder if it would show so easily , oil consumption may in fact be
aggravated blow back , do the compression check warm and cold with and
without extra oil on the bore and compare the results.

how long was it leaning and were the lower cylinders the problem ?
its quite possible some oil has collected around the valves and
dribbled into those cylinders that are lower ? hence you quandary but
the motor may well run fine for years with un-noticeable oil passage
past the guides if you don't leave it for days unstated .
follow ?

 

It does appear to only have been the lower cylinders that were the
problem, and the bike is usually parked sideways on a slope with the
lower cylinders on the downhill side. I've now got it parked facing up
the slope instead, so we'll see if that makes any difference - means a
bit more stuffing around manouvering to park, but worth the hassle if
that's what the issue actually was. I'll get a compression tester next
pay and check that out then. Thanks.

Damien
GPX250 -> CBR600 -> F650/R1200GS (when the $$$ are there!)

 

You need a centrestand, you do! ;-)


BTH

 

It's a really nice bike to ride (compared to anything else I've owned)
but since she's only just reached the 1,000km service I can't really
comment on its long-term performance yet.

If I were you I'd be more inclined to spend a few hundred and sort out
the bike you've got - no sense getting a new one if you're only going
to do 2,000km per year on it.


BTH

 

No need to tell me twice! Just need to find one for the right
price.

Damien
GPX250 -> CBR600 -> F650/R1200GS (when the $$$ are there!)

 

Stick a suitably sized lump of wood under the stand and park it the
normal way.

Nev..
'04 CBR1100XX

 

The answer is Hammo. Or is that the question?

Theo

 

Three fiddy.

 

Check for crappy fuel


Kevin (Bluey)
"I'm not young enough to know everything."