White Exhaust Valves

[Guest]

So I was doing some work on my '82 850G this weekend I removed my exhaust. I peered in at the exhaust ports and could see that all the exhaust valves were white. I tried unsuccessfully to search the archives for my answer but I'm still puzzled why they are white. Is this normal or is my engine is serious danger?

I should also mention that the bike is stock, and runs fine. The valves are adjusted and in spec. However it sometimes requires to be blown through the vent tubes before it will start in the morning. There is no hesitation or bogging anywhere in the throttle while riding, however the exhaust does pop on deceleration. Is this related to the white valves and could be from running lean?

Thanks for help in advance guys.

[Nessism]

I wouldn't worry about it as long as the plugs are the proper color. In my experience the 850 tends to run lean, but not alarmingly so.

[hampshirehog]

A lot of exhaust valves are white. If it's heavily crusted up with white she could be a bit of burning oil and that is ash residue. Nothing unusual nor to worry about.

[Tim Tom]

Whew. That's a relief. I thought they may have be indicative of burnt valves which would put a damper on my day. Good to know all is well. Or at least one less winter project

[AJ]

It might be a good idea to replace exhaust gaskets if you're worried about it.

At a minimum, start the engine and wave a butane cigarette lighter around where each exhaust pipe meets the engine. Exhaust leaks will cause the flame to "puff". Leaks will let raw air back in through the exhaust and can burn valves.

[Tim Tom]

Got my exhaust gaskets in mail today. Perfect timing as I ordered them around Christmas time.

[Kitten Tooth]

yea i had that same problem on my KZ1000. Then again, my 1000 is NOT stock and runs lean as hell so lean that i need to do an engine tear down sometime this winter.