POV Inspection Quiz Question 2: Is a motorcycle blowing blue smoke okay?

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:42:18 -0400

A second Soldier has a motorcycle that otherwise looks okay externally, but is blowing blue smoke. Is this normal? Should it pass? The motorcycle in question is a 1975 Yamaha RD 350

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 6:46 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:46:24 -0400

Sounds like Oil burning to me. Needs to be taken in and looked at. I say NO go on this one. I'm sure to here about it if I'm wrong.

Response by MSgt Robert Slagle made Jul 23 at 2015 6:50 PM

MSgt Robert Slagle — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:50:27 -0400

Meh, it's forty years old. It's either burning oil or just running a little rich. No big deal. Not a safety issue.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jul 23 at 2015 6:52 PM

TSgt David L. — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:52:01 -0400

CW3 Kevin Storm, if I remember right the RDs were 2 stroke so It would be normal for the bike. I woild recommend the SM switch to the modern ashless 2 cycle oil. It will cut down on both fouling and smoke.

Response by CPL(P) Bret Farritor made Jul 23 at 2015 6:56 PM

CPL(P) Bret Farritor — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:56:44 -0400

2 Stroke - Yes, OAD

Response by SPC Kent Tilley made Jul 23 at 2015 6:58 PM

SPC Kent Tilley — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:58:00 -0400

I bet it has been doing it for a long time. It'll be ok.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 24 at 2015 4:28 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 04:28:41 -0400

I would be concerned if it DIDN'T blow blue smoke considering it mixes gasoline and 2-stroke oil!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 3:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 15:59:40 -0400

It was a special kind of 2 stroke power plant that did not require premix.