Need help with engine smoking when cold?

[Lowered13]

I am looking at getting a bike that I don't need to work on to much to get running right. I was looking at maybe this bike http://maine.craigslist.org/mcy/4169328423.html. He said that the bike smokes until it warms up and I am kindof confused with that. I was thinking maybe that an oil gasket leaks until it warms up and seals the leak. Any other thoughts?

 

[HerrDeacon]

Could be leaky valve stem seals.

 

[Lowered13]

Is that something hard to fix or expensive if I cant do it?

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

It really depends on the color of smoke.
Could be burning oil like HerrDeacon says (black), or running rich from the choke being pulled (blue)... OR just water vapor from the combustion process common on all cold engines (white).

 

[hillsy]

Burning oil is blue smoke, overly rich (choke) is black.


Sounds like valve stem seals. That's a top end rebuild to fix.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Yep, had them swapped... sorry. :-[