Wispy smoke from under tank

[super-red-jim]

During this cold weather I've been starting up my NC30 on a regular basis and letting it fully warm up before covering it up again with a blanket (!) and a tarp. It lives under a lean-to outside.

Today I retuned to bike after only 3 or 4 mins and it had already reached 90 degrees and wispy smoke was escaping from the gaps in the fairing around the seat and tank.

It's been very very cold of late, so presumably my coolant has frozen to cause the rapid rise in temperature. What damage might I have done to cause the smoke though? It didn't smell like exhaust.

Before I strip it down, any help would be appreciated.

[Neosophist]

During this cold weather I've been starting up my NC30 on a regular basis and letting it fully warm up before covering it up again with a blanket (!) and a tarp. It lives under a lean-to outside.

Today I retuned to bike after only 3 or 4 mins and it had already reached 90 degrees and wispy smoke was escaping from the gaps in the fairing around the seat and tank.

It's been very very cold of late, so presumably my coolant has frozen to cause the rapid rise in temperature. What damage might I have done to cause the smoke though? It didn't smell like exhaust.

Before I strip it down, any help would be appreciated.

Thermostat could be stuck and not opening.

If your coolant was frozen it'd likely crack the block somewhere as it expands when it freezes. Also the temperature sensor is in the radiator, if it was frozen the hot water wouldn't be able to reach the temperature sensor.

Also I think the waterpump driveshaft would snap as it's connected to the crank.

Interesting one. Could it be condensation / something leaking (petrol tank?) onto the engine?

Squeeze the coolant hoses to see if they were frozen. but I think you'll have to remove the panels and get a torch in there to see what it is.

One thing that could be an issue i've had before is theres a metal pipe that runs in the middle of the V to carry water from front to back, i've had it pinhole before and loose coolant as steam

[mattUKNC]

My thoughts lean towards the small connecting pipe which runs between the 'v', has been known for this to fail at the seals.
http://www.bike-parts.fr/pieces-honda-d ... R+400.html

Have you checked the coolant recently? Changed it or topped it up?

[super-red-jim]

Matt / Neosophist,

Thanks to you both for your quick replies.

I'll get my gloves on and carry out the checks you recommend, but it seems like the metal connecting pipe or its seals will be the first thing to examine.

I'll post the results of my research and hopefully be able add to the collective knowledge !