QuestionHi, we just picked up a triumph mk III and it has been sitting
indoors for +/- 12 years. After draining all fluids and refilling we were able to start it with fuel from a different source than the fuel tank. Our concern is no loss of power, no mis firing but enough blue smoke to evacuate me from my garage. I was hoping you might be able to tell me the first step. Thanks John
AnswerIn prepping the engine, did you put oil in the spark plug holes, or spill any on the exhaust manifold? Also assuming your "alternate fuel source" isn't 2 cycle mix.
If not, the next step is a compression check. Blue smoke is oil getting into the combustion chamber. Most likely through worn out rings. Worn out rings will show as low compression. Compression should be anywhere between 80 to 100+lbs. any less than that is a sign something is worn out.
The next step beyond that would be to figure out whether the rings, piston, or valve guides are your problem.
-Squirting a little oil and then re-doing the compression check; if that raises the compression, then the problem is worn rings.
Another test you can perform is a blow-by; a special gauge is used with compressed air to measure the "leakage" of the cylinder; by listening for where the air is coming out (valve guides, intake, exhaust, or crankcase) you can determine which component isn't doing its job.
Good luck!
