QuestionBlew a head gasket on the goldwing, after replacing it and fixing a hole in the muffler, it is smoking like a bandit. It runs smooth, doesn't mis a beat, so don't think it is the head or engine. Is it possible that antifreeze got into the mufflers themselves and if so, how would I clean them out to make it stop smoking?...I could get a ticket for air pollution it is that bad.
Anything else you could suggest that I should check out would be great.
Thank you for your time...
AnswerKim... If anti-freeze got burned and deposited into the mufflers, you just have to go and run it until it burns out again.
Dunno how many miles were on the engine, but note that the valve stem seals are 20 years old, as well as the pistons and rings.
I did have an experience where a Honda car had once suffered a blown head gasket and it had persistent blowby, causing it to fail an emissions test. If antifreeze collects around the rings, it can gum them up to the extent that they are no longer able to expand/contract during the compression and intake cycles. Coolant can etch the cylinder walls, too, if left there for a long time, causing ring sealing issues.
Find someone that can do both a compression test and a LEAKDOWN test to see where/how the compression is being lost, if that is the case.
If you have driven it more than about 20-50 miles and the smoke persists... check the oil level and coolant levels, of course, and then expect that there are internal issues, rather than just some old deposits in the mufflers. Muffler gunk will clear out fairly quickly in most cases. Hope that it isn't the former...
Check the various GW websites on the web for more assistance.
Bill Silver
