HELP - 600SS SMOKING ON START UP

**Paul901** · 05 Aug 07, 06:10 PM

Hi all, I've just picked up a 1998 600SS off fleabay and fear I may have bought a lemon...

On start up initially it's fine, but after a few seconds it starts to smoke quite heavily (oil smoke). Once warm this smoke goes away completely and dosen't get worse when revved which leads me to believe it's not a piston ring/cylinder problem.

My thinking is that it's the valve stem seals that're gone. Besides the smoke on start up, it runs and idles fine, revving nice and freely with no problems evident.

Has anyone any ideas on this and also any thoughts as to how much this may be likely to (erm!) cost?!

This is my first Ducati (far from my first bike, but possibly the least powerful...) and I'm really hoping that I haven't been done too much, but knidda know that I have!

Advice please!

Thanks in advance, Paul

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**wrs71** · 05 Aug 07, 06:26 PM

take it to the pub and it wont be allowed to smoke!

Seriously tho, i hope it turns out ok and welcome to the site, sorry i cant offer any real advice

**Paul901** · 05 Aug 07, 06:34 PM

If it turns out to be too expensive I'm considering breaking it for parts. It's in for it's MOT tomorrow and also has leaking fork seals, suspect headstock bearings (just tiny bit loose I think) and next to no front brake pads...

If I hadn't driven across the country to get it I may've looked closer!

Thanks for the welcome and I hope to be a long-term contributor. If this doesn't work out then the spares sales will help fund a 750 or 900ss...

**Hereford_duke** · 05 Aug 07, 06:41 PM

Conatct Imola Duke as he is looking for a 600 project, just PM him

Mick

**Paul901** · 05 Aug 07, 07:04 PM

Thanks, it's worth considering but doub't I'd see back what it owes me selling it that way. I'm in Hereford too, don't suppose you're an expert on desmo valve gear....

**Imola Duke** · 05 Aug 07, 07:57 PM

Thanks for pm Paul

Sounds like a overhaul is due. How many miles has it done ?
Valve seals and guides wear? you may have a knacked oil ring.
Dukes are not cheap to get fixed, just do a search on the forum.

If you decide to sell or break contact me again.
I would just like to buy the bike minus all fairings, seat, lights, hugger,
I want too do DD racing and what you have is what i have been looking for

Fancy doing a deal ? you will get good money for the fairings alone.
Look on ebay !
So could a Deal be struck

**Imola Duke** · 05 Aug 07, 08:51 PM

While riding make sure it's not smoking on closed throttle.