Funny Smell

[classic blue]

Rode to/from work today with no apparent issues, but from the time my R3C warmed up until a minute, or so after I shut it down a funny almost plastic smell emenates up from the exhaust side of the engine. It even had a little smoke this morning. I tried to isolate it. It seems as though I can pick it up between the header pipes all the way up to the top of the engine. My first instinct is a coil pack is about to go. Any ideas? Looks like I'm done riding a little early this year. Needed an oil change, fork seals, and my new Progressive front springs anyway, but thought I had a few rides left off and on until the mornings were too cold. Need to figure this one out before big issues later.

 

[ruzzle]

How many miles on the bike? Does it smell "electriggle-y...?"

 

[classic blue]

Just over 20K and yes.

 

[ruzzle]

Mmmm... most unlikely at 20K but a crook stator in the alternator would do just that ... if so, the smell and some smoke from that area would be burning insulation on the stator windings. ( DAMHIK.)

Easy enough to check ... can advise if you want to... at least it would eliminate that possibility....

 

[classic blue]

When I come to a stop I can still pick up a wisp of the smell, but going down the road nothing as of course the air is moving too fast.

 

[ruzzle]

That would happen pretty much whatever was causing it..............

You said something about an oil change. Sure it's not just a bit of spilled oil burning off??

 

[classic blue]

So the stator is still turning once disengaged from the flywheel? I'm asking because I don't know how it works on a bike, but on a car unless I'm wrong once the starter kicks out, it's work is done and nothing is turning until the next ignition voltage command to engage.

 

[classic blue]

Needs an an oil change. Not completed as of yet.

 

[ruzzle]

Sounds like you're talking about a starter, not an alternator stator.


The alternator stator doesn't turn, it's fixed to the rear of the crankcase, around the crankshaft. A rotor attached to the back of the crankshaft, revolves around the stator. Whenever the engine is running, the two components are generating. Nothing to do with the ignition system or the starter system. The starter motor is a separate contraption.


Still unlikely at low mileage like yours. As I said, easy to check, if you have a multi-meter and know how to drive it......

 

[TriumPhil]

Have you removed the seat and lifted the tank some to do a visual inspection?

On the right side of the tank are two retaining clips that hold a tank support. Pull the seat, remove the tank retention bolt in front of where your ****** is when you're riding and take a look see. The coil wires are in silicon sleeves so I doubt that is the source. You might want to have a strong little flashlight handy for viewing, as I don't remember what else might have to be disconnected in order to fully lift the rear of the tank and support it with the aforementioned support rod. If need be you can brace the elevated tank part way using a properly cushioned (towel or rag-wrapped) block of wood and then take a good peek.