I just got an 88' cr500 to do an ATC conversion and after running it for a few minutes some smoke or steam appears to be comming from the top of the cylinder around the head gasket area. Its only coming from one small spot closest to the front of the bike. Sound like a head gasket problem or what? Thanks for your time

 

Whatever you do, don't put your hand in front of it to see what it is. If it's coolant, it will burn the crap out of you. Yes, I've seen this happen. I suggest that you pull the head off and have a look. It sounds like the gasket is done. Are you having any trouble with the radiator puking out coolant? If so, then I would suspect that the pressure from the cylinder is getting into the coolant passages. The only way you'll know for sure is to open it up. Head gaskets aren't that much money, so there's no reason not to.

 

definitely a head gasket

 

cool, i'll try to pull the head off. the radiator doesn't puke or even drop in fluid level, so i dunno whats up, prolly just the gasket i guess. I did however pull the right crank case cover and the water pump is bucked, corroded like hell. thanks for the help - late

 

oh yea..and those Apache's...they are quite impressive, nice pics and hope ya get back to the states soon - chris