Engine smoke

85harley

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I have a Kawasaki FD590V that puffs smoke on start up. It burns clean in a few seconds and runs good at all engine speeds. Are these engines prone to valve seal failure or is it something else causing the smoke? Thanks in advance.
 

7394

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How many hours do you have on the engine ?
 

TonyPrin

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I have a Kawasaki FD590V that puffs smoke on start up. It burns clean in a few seconds and runs good at all engine speeds. Are these engines prone to valve seal failure or is it something else causing the smoke? Thanks in advance.

A few puffs of smoke at start-up is not uncommon. It doesn't strike me as a major concern, particularly if you don't find yourself adding oil. I'd clean the air filter and spark plug. Beyond that, make certain you're using a good quality 5W-30.
 

bertsmobile1

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Usually this is because oil has accumulated in the cylinder or the breather.
Can be the first signs of a bad head gasket.
Can be a valve stem oil seal
Can be oil dribbling down the breather through the carb into the cylinder.
 

7394

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It has 1365 hours. The smke is just at startup. Thanks

Kawasaki has switched from 30wt oil, to 10w-40 Syn-Blend (same price as the 30wt) for hotter climates & / or with higher hours. Not sure what oil grade you use, but I thought this info was worth posting for ya.
 
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