Cali 3 fettling

[Howieh]

After getting my crank case breathing again there is a lot of smoke on initial startup indicating worn valve guides.
My question is...does a blocked breather hide the problem symptoms.
The bike was breathing through the heads and there was not a great deal of smoke before I fixed the breather .
The bikes new to me and has turned into a project unfortunately.
Cheers.

 

[scottmastrocinque]

Before assuming worn guides which is possible but unlikely, you should check the oil level. Chasing the FULL mark causes all sorts of issues, from oil blowing up the breather and others which are well documented here and available on a SEARCH function.

I would start there.

In answer to your question, “NO”, the two are not related.

Turned into a project? It’s a California III which makes it at least 34 years old. It is certainly going to need some TLC at that age!

 

[Howieh]

Thanks for that..I will start there. I normally go for project bikes but this one was bought as a gone through sorted bike.

 

[john zibell]

If it does turn out to be valve guides, look up the K-line process. Doesn't require pressing out old guides and pressing in new which prevents deforming the head. You just have to find and engine machine shop that puts in these liners. I've used this for several bikes, both Guzzi and BMW with great results.

 

[Howieh]

If it does turn out to be valve guides, look up the K-line process. Doesn't require pressing out old guides and pressing in new which prevents deforming the head. You just have to find and engine machine shop that puts in these liners. I've used this for several bikes, both Guzzi and BMW with great results.

I have a local engineering shop in my town that I have used often on lambretta stuff and most recent an airhead crankshaft check and polish. I have heard and looked at the k line system and was going to ask about it vs. new valve guides.
Cheers for the reply..it all helps and appreciated