One of the things that makes motorcycle users panic besides breaking down in the middle of the road is the exhaust that continues to emit white smoke. Is this normal? The short answer is No. Because first, in general, motorcycle smoke from combustion that comes out of the exhaust is colorless or white but very thin so that sometimes it is not visible. Second, if this white smoke comes out of the exhaust, it should only be for the first few seconds when you first start the motorbike. Then is this a sign that the motorbike is seriously damaged? To answer this question, see this article which will discuss the reasons why motorbikes continue to emit white smoke.
Engine oil is also burned
This continuous white smoke can occur, one of the reasons being that the oil is also burned. This is not something that should happen. This could be a sign that one of the components is seriously damaged.
Characteristics:
- White smoke looks thick and inconsistent
- Does not disappear at all even though it has reached normal working temperature
- Sometimes accompanied by the smell of burning oil
Cause:
- Worn piston ring: No longer able to hold the oil so that it remains in the lower engine chamber. Oil will seep into the combustion chamber and burn
- Leaking valve seal: This also causes oil to seep into the combustion chamber
- Scratched or worn piston: The combustion chamber is no longer tightly closed, allowing oil to enter freely
Solution:
- Generally, the motorbike needs an overhaul
- Replace damaged components
- Make sure the replacement components are original and of high quality so that the same damage does not occur repeatedly
Normal condensation
Natural white exhaust smoke is when the engine is first turned on. This smoke comes from the remaining water vapor and then evaporates when the exhaust temperature rises. Condensation usually occurs in the morning. This is not a sign of engine damage.
Characteristics:
- White smoke coming out of the exhaust only appears when the motorbike is first turned on.
- White smoke comes out when the motorbike is turned on at a fairly cold temperature
Cause:
- A motorbike that is left overnight (at night) will have a cooler temperature. Condensation occurs due to the difference in temperature between the outside air and the temperature inside the exhaust pipe
- When the motorbike is first turned on, this water vapor evaporates and white smoke appears.
Excessive fuel mixture
Continuous white smoke from motorcycle exhausts can also be caused by an unbalanced air and fuel entering the combustion chamber. White smoke appears because too much fuel enters.
Characteristics:
- Thin and faint white smoke but consistent
- Sometimes accompanied by a pungent gasoline odor
- The engine can feel heavy or jerky when used
Cause:
- Injector: A dirty or damaged injector cannot work optimally so that more fuel is sprayed.
- Damaged O2 or MAP sensor: A problematic sensor will give the wrong signal to the ECU, so that the fuel mixture is not ideal
Solution:
- For injection motorcycles, it is necessary to scan the ECU and service the injector.
- Also make sure the air filter is not dirty or clogged because it can affect the air and gasoline mixture ratio.
Radiator water enters the combustion chamber
Some motorcycles use a radiator cooling system. The presence of this white smoke indicates that radiator fluid has entered the combustion chamber. This condition is quite serious because it involves damage to the cylinder head or gasket.
Characteristics:
- White smoke similar to water vapor
- The engine heats up quickly and sometimes feels heavy when used
- Radiator water decreases drastically and there are no visible external leaks
Causes:
- Leaking head gasket: There is no partition between the combustion chamber and the water channel
- Warped or cracked cylinder head: Usually occurs because the motor overheats
- Cracked engine block: This rarely happens, but if the motor overheats badly the engine block can crack.
Solution:
- The motor needs to replace the gasket
- If the cylinder head is warped, it can be re-skirted (re-coated to make it even).
- Use good coolant and check the level regularly to prevent similar incidents.
Using low-quality oil or fuel
Oil use should be adjusted to the specifications of the motor. Likewise with fuel use. If not, combustion will be imperfect. Then this is what will cause the motor to emit white smoke.
Characteristics:
- Thin but consistent white smoke
- Engine performance feels reduced
- Engine feels hotter than usual
- Sometimes there is a rough sound from the engine
Causes:
- Fake or low-quality oil: Oil contains additives that are more flammable
- Mixed or low-octane gasoline: Combustion becomes imperfect and leaves residue
Solution:
- Immediately change oil and fuel to a trusted brand
- Make sure the oil is in accordance with factory specifications
- Avoid buying gasoline from unofficial places
- Regularly carry out periodic servicing so that the engine condition remains prime
When to worry
If your motorbike emits white smoke from the exhaust, don't panic and take it to a repair shop. Some white smoke from the exhaust is normal. However, there are several conditions that must be addressed immediately so that it does not develop into more serious damage:
- White smoke does not disappear even after the engine is hot
- Smoke becomes thicker and a strange smell appears
- Engine performance decreases, jerky traction or the engine heats up quickly accompanied by white smoke
- Oil or fuel consumption becomes faster even after checking and there are no leaks
- White smoke accompanied by a rough engine sound or knocking appears
Now if your motorbike experiences one of the above symptoms, it is better to immediately check it at a repair shop before the damage gets worse. Because serious damage certainly requires more costs.
Preventing Motorbikes from Emitting White Smoke
White smoke that continues to come out of the exhaust can be a sign of damage to one of the components as mentioned above. To prevent this from happening, let's look at the tips below:
- Regularly change engine oil: In addition to avoiding white smoke, oil changes are needed so that the engine can be lubricated optimally so that there is no friction that can cause more severe damage
- Use quality fuel: Fuel greatly affects the cleanliness and perfection of the combustion process
- Regular service: Service is not only changing the oil, but also checking other parts such as the piston, valve and cylinder.
- Check the cooling system: Especially for motorbikes with radiators, make sure the water in the radiator is sufficient and does not leak. Use the appropriate coolant
- Don't speed when the engine is not yet hot: Let the engine warm up for 1-2 minutes before using it. This warm-up allows the oil to spread throughout the engine and makes all components work optimally. That way, the risk of damage to components such as pistons and rings can be minimized, and you can avoid the problem of white smoke.
- Do not overload: Do not carry goods beyond capacity. This can add to the burden on the motorbike and cause components such as pistons to wear out quickly
- Avoid extreme modifications: Modifications such as careless bore-ups or ECU changes without proper settings can disrupt the combustion system.
Conclusion
Not all white smoke coming out of a motorcycle exhaust is dangerous. Before your motorcycle emits white smoke, you should do some prevention tips.