I've got a 1600 xflow. Starts OK and runs good but a lot of smoke comes from the oil filler on the rocker box cover. If I rev the engine the smoke increases. Any ideas. Whatever it is - probably expensive!!

I would guess at blow-by the pistons getting in to the bottom of the engine and then back up through the oil drain holes in to the rocker then exiting through the hole.


I would suggest would be re-bore and new pistons unless you can re-liner.

A general compression test may help to determine the problem.

Adrian

Thanks for your very prompt reply. I'll be able to pressure test it over the weekend. However, could the same symptoms be caused by a blown head gasket. I only ask for two reasons. Firstly, when I bought the engine the head was off. The bores were smooth and the pistons had no lateral movement at all. Secondly, the seller gave me a "new" head gasket to go with the sale. Didn't look too new to me but I fitted it anyway. My downfall perhaps!!

If it came with a head gasket / head off the engine may have been cooked. This could've knackered the piston rings and explain the crank case pressure you seem to have. If there's no lips on the top of the bores then a good glaze bust of the bores and new rings should sort it out. Best to get a hot compression test done and come back with the results

I see you're in Staffs. If you're anywhere near Newc-U-Lyme then pop along to Froggys garage, he'll sort you out I'm sure.

[Edited on 9/10/14 by Nickp]

Before condemning the Pistons , rings or bores check the crankcase breather system is clear. X flows do tend to breath heavily when they have done a few miles . Also make sure the oil level isn't too high

Hi
I agree with Rusty nuts
1st thing to try

Also check the oil level isn't too high.

Having said that if you are getting steam train like chuffing from the breather the odds are it is a piston/ring/bore wear problem. Due to the piston design Xflos do tend to suffer more from this type of problem than other engines especially if revved hard.

Did a compression test when cold with the throttle open. Results as follows:

First revolution Top reading

No 1 100. 160
No 2. 80. 150
No 3. 80. 150
No 4. 80. 150

Seems good to me. Presumably when hot the figures woul be better.

I've emptied the oil and will refill using measuring jug as opposed to relying on the dipstick. I've take the breather off and using a compressor blown back through it. Without the pcv it blows clear but when I put the pcv back it won't blow through. How much pressure dies it take to open the pcv.

Years ago I had a 1600GT
That just had a wire filter , although it did leak a bit
When you pushed it really hard.
Fitted a longer tube with a small air filter which did the trick.

[Edited on 12/10/14 by renetom]