Engine to service, now something is strange?

[EnokS]

I recently took my Honda GB 500 out of the garage to get service it, I asked for valve clearances checked, the oil + filters + sparks changed. The mechanic was a very nice guy, and he did even more than I asked for without charging for it. He said that the exhaust valves had been too tight, and that caused the engine to run hot. I was very happy with all he did, but after riding home and parking the motorcycle, the engine (not the exhaust) was fuming/smoking, and it seemed like it was very hot (although its hard to tell) and it smelled a bit burnt. He had told me to check the oil after riding home, cause he couldn't be certain that it was the right amount, it turned out to be a bit too much, so I emptied some out and its now correct according to the dipstick. I did a short drive today, and while everything works great while riding, after you stop you can smell something burnt, the engine seems hot and is fuming. It's never been like this before, it has been in the garage for 2 months, but thats the only change apart from the service and it worked perfectly two months ago. Any ideas? The mechanic was a real nice guy, and I think he's worked at that place for year, and I dread coming over to ask what could be wrong.

I was also planning on going for a ride this weekend, but I guess that might not be a good idea?

[SteveC#222]

Hi EnokS, Welcome to the Thumper club.

If your bike worked Ok before the service but is running hot now then it must be something your mechanic did.  I would take it back and get him to check it again as it sounds like the valves or maybe ignition timing might be making it run hot or maybe no oil flow.  Your mechanic should sort it out for you - if you start trying to fix it yourself he might not want to do it.  I wouldn't ride it any further until it is sorted or you may do more damage. Sometimes after an oil change you can get an airlock in the feed pipe to the cylinder head which stops oil getting the the cams. I always loosen the banjo bolt on the cylinder head oil feed pipe at the top and run the engine until oil starts to drip out then tighten the bolt up, that way I know the oil is flowing. You could try doing this to see if you have oil flow.



bolt number 11.


Hope you get it sorted out soon.

[EnokS]

Thanks for your welcoming and help! I'll do that check to see that the oil is coming to the cams by loosing the banjo bolt then, if that doesn't work I'll just have to go and visit the mechanic again.

[SteveC#222]

Just had another thought.  When you adjust the valves you are supposed to check the free play in the decompresser cable - if it is too tight it can cause damage to the valves. It should be 1-3mm.

[johnr]

it also may be something as simple as oil from his hands or some he spilled on the engine cases that is burning off after he had the rocker cover off.