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Newbie w/ '77 GL Smoke Question

631 Views 8 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  mo84, 
C
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Hi All!

I'm picking up my first Honda since 1975 tomorrow!!!!

Rode the bike today and it shifted, revved and rode fine. There was some backfire just after I started it but once she warmed up, no problems.

My only concern is when I started her up there was a fair amount of white smoke right where the left side exhaust pipe connected to the manifold(?). At first I thought is was oil but it smelled more like antifreeze. I didn't have a gauge so I couldn't check compression.

I was so excited about getting a VERY clean GL (with nice bags, helmet, both original tires and rims (one piece cast wheels on it now) that I forgot to see of she was still smoking after I got her back to the owner. Other than that, the only other problem I could find was the headlight would flicker like it had a short / bad wire. All other electrical worked great.

The bike has 42000 miles and the owner never rode it. He's a neighbor of the original owner and knew the history. It was sitting for close to a year with only occasional start-ups. For $800, I figured I couldn't go wrong.

Am I chasing a possible bad head gasket or manifold gasket? Valve rings? I know old Hondas had problems with charging systems but I wouldn't tthink it effected just the headlight (although the battery was dead when I first looked at it. The owner had it on a charger overnight and it started right up today.

Sorry to write so much but $800 may not be a bargain if I have a major problem.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!
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Bike...and Dennis
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Welcome to the forum Cqlink,

If you got a clean and running 'Wing for 800 bucks...you did good. Whatyou saw may have been some spill or overflow dripping onto the exhaust. If it was a headgasket, I think the steam would come out the end of the exhaust.

Even if it is a headgasket, they're not that hard to change.
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exavid
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Agreed, if the steam was coming out of the tail pipe it's a sure indication of a leaking head gasket. If you see it coming up from the manifold area it's usually a leak in the rubber tubing that connects the overflow bottle to the radiator or the grommet where the the overflow tube connects to the bottle. Other likely sources are a loose radiator cap or bad cap seal or one of the cross tubes on top of the engine leaking. Normally none of these are expensive or difficult to repair. One thing I'd check is to see if there's any oil or coolant under the water pump. The water pump is located on the front of the engine behind the timing belt cover on the left side. Take a careful look under the pump where you'll see a small 'weep' hole. If there's oil or coolant showing up there the bike is ready for a new water pump.
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Flyone
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Welcome to the Forum from Kansas!!! :waving:

I hope you find the Forum as informative and as much fun as we do!! :cooldevil:

Again, Welcome Aboard!! :action:
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nsjoe
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You can't fail for $800. You said it's clean. Even if the engine dies and you part it out it's worth way more than that. But we all know you'll make it run and keep it for a long time (because we all do). Ask Dennis, that bike isn't even broken in yet.

Welcome to the forum.
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skoto1
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if it's not missing and runs smooth and it quit smoking after a short run you probably just have a simple fix. and these old wing are fairly easy to work on. grab it before someone else does. i agree with all the above. welcome aboard.
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Wingle
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Wow what a steal, I'd take it and run. Run away before they discover it's true worth. Even if you put five hundred into it, it's still for a song. Good luck and welcome, pull up a chair, what will you have?
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C
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Thanks Gents!

Even though we only have a few more decent riding days here in Michigan, I can't wait to take her for a nice ride. I'm going to flush all the fluids first, check timing, points, etc. first and then check the things you've mentioned.

While I've only had two older HDs in the past, this was my first Honda (other than few old dirt bikes back in the 70's).

I was VERY surprised how smooth this 32-year-old bike ran and how well it shifted. Not to mention, how well it fit into my budget. The Vetter fairing and hard bags are in perfect shape as well. The old school AM/FM/Cass radio and speakers were still on the bike too.

Thanks again for the pointers.
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mo84
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I have had both problems with my 77. the steem coming from the left side is most likely ur upper radiator hose. it is either bad or where it hook up to the top of the engine has a bad O ring. I had to take the metal slinky off my hose to realize it was bad. It to would only steam when it was cold then go away.I could have put my finger threw it ifI wanted. the second problem with the head light is probably the connector that connects the wires from the fairing to the bike. that is on the left side of the bike. you can get a new connector on the internet but i just hard wired mine. I dont want it going out on me at night again.ill post a pic of where the connecter is at.it not the best picture but should work. hope this helps

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