rewindstuff
Active Member
So I finished some maintenance on my xs500 today. Adjusted the valves and counterbalancer chain tensioner and put on my own handmade (felpro) gaskets for the side panels. I got everything back together (except the front end...its off) and kicked it over (for some reason the starter isn't working. Wiring probably.) and it roared to life sounding better than ever, even with new pods on my CV mikunis. About 30 seconds into me revving a little no higher than 5-6 grand, a heard a loud pop come from the engine. It kept running with no hiccup in performance but I shut it off to be safe. I immediately fell to my knees and started praying in tongues then kicked it back over again. It took a few kicks this time and because the bars are off with the forks and everything else, I had to feather the throttle kinda creatively. It idles fine, BUT when I give it gas it blows smoke from somewhere in between the fins near the left exhaust port. The exhaust header is tight but I'm just remembering, I slightly overfilled when I replaced the oil. Would that have blown a head gasket? Would a head gasket blowing out sound like someone hitting a hammer against an engine? I'm scared I broke something but the motor purrs like a kitten! Im hoping the motogods heard my pleas...help!