Dropped Valve?

[bobdh1]

Hi Guys, 50 miles into a trip today, had a misfire, not like a plug misfiring, more of a chug then lots of blue smoke, loss of power.

After a long day of waiting for breakdown recovery and sitting in traffic, thankfully the bike is back in my garage.

It's my second 1400 (K3 14k miles, and immaculate) never had a problem of any sort with either bike, even after riding the first one all around Europe.  Given their reputation for having a bullet proof engine, it has come as a bit of a surprise.

Real question is, can I remove the head without removing the engine? First thing that springs to mind is a dropped valve, anyone had similar symptoms?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[seth]

Nice 1st post 

I doubt it would be a dropped valve as you say these bikes just don't have that problem.
Before taking the head off (Yes can be done in the frame)
It would be worth checking things like the teabag filter as if there is muck in it then it could have got as far as an injector (I had a very simular problem and that's what it was on my bike )the injectors have there own fine filters
Is there someone near you who could do a swop things with you to see if you can eliminate the problem therefore finding your fault .
Good luck

[KiwiCol]

Gidday mate, blue smoke you say?  Blue smoke would be oil being burned.  I'd be pulling the plugs out first & having a wee inspection thereof & determining my next course of action dependant on what I find.  Keep us updated as to how you go with it, I'll be interested to find out what it is.

[bobdh1]

Thanks guys for your quick responses.

Unfortunately due to work commitments it will probably be a short while before I get to start on it.

Plugs and injectors both sound to be logical starting points, so that's where I'll begin  and I'll post updates once I start, may help someone else in the future.

[grog]

Find cylinder thats missing, compression test first thing to do.

[Mick_J]

Aldi or lidl are selling fibre optic engine inspection cameras at the moment, might be worth it to have a look inside before removing the head.

[bobdh1]

Hi Guys, thanks for the replies.

Just a quick update, started with the obvious as advised.

Removed the tea bag filter which was hardly visible due to the amount of crap stuck to it and cleaned out the gunge in the filter housing. Replaced the filter with a new item from good old ebay, cleaned pump and filter with brake/carb cleaner, flushed through all pipes and hoses. Re-assembled, started her up and.... no difference.

The tea bag filter was holed, so I am assuming some crap has got through and into the injectors. Found a local firm to service the injectors for me so my job for the weekend is to remove the injectors and get them cleaned next week.

New plugs have been ordered, injectors will be refitted and fingers crossed....

Thanks Seth, heat of the moment reaction was going to remove the head, you may have saved me a lot of aggro