[nutznky]

I recently purchased an 04 foreman 450 for my wife and kids to ride when we go back in the fields behind my house. A couple of day's ago I was following them down the road to get to the trails and when we left out of the driveway I noticed some smoke coming from the exhaust. It only lasted for about a hundred yards and then cleared up and I didn't see it do it again for the rest of the day. I started it up this morning and let it run for a good five minutes or so and didn't see a thing so I took it down the road and sure enough for about a hundred yards it smoked a little and then cleared up and didn't do it again the rest of the ride. I figure it is just the seals and just wanted your guy's opinion on the matter. The old wheeler run's great and seems to have plenty of power. Should I go ahead and change the seals or would it hurt to keep riding it until it worsens. And if I should go ahead and change them how hard of a job am I looking at. As always, I appreciate the help.

 

[Helmut]

If it don't smoke any more than that and if it doesn't use a lot of oil, I would just wait until it gets worse. It won't hurt it to ride it like that, just keep an eye on the oil level and don't let it get low on oil.

 

[shadetree]

and when it does get to the point of no return..replacing the seals isn't hard..while you will have it tore down..you may as well inspect your valves..rings..cam lobes..check them for wear.

 

[bart]

I had the same thing on a 02 450 and i rode it for 2 more years before i rebuilt it. By the way, Is that smoke white or black?

 

[nutznky]

It's a bluish color, definatly oil and not fuel.

 

[838XCracer]

I'd say your rings are a little worn. When it's cold the piston is cold and it's loose in the cylinder. Then when it gets to opperatiing temp. the piston and cylinder expands and they will seat fine. No big problem. In fact his honda 105 always did that. It will be ok till it starts to smoke all the time,then it's time to rebuild the top end.

 

[daniel_300ex]

Yea like stated start saving for a new top end just keep the oil topped up, I would suggest buying the cheapest oil until the rebuild.