1997 FE501E (USA Spec)...just got it, should I keep it?

Okay, I know this sounds like a dorky question but this is my first 4 stroke dirt bike and I still have my 99 KTM EXC 200 and will need to make a decision on which one to keep pretty soon.

I just bought the 501 and after an oil change took it out for a 25 mile ride in some technical woods outside of Portland Oregon. It was a bit if a change from my EXC but I absolutely loved the power and the bike is uber stable at speed and an absolute blast to ride (I really think that 4 stroke power is the way to go in the woods!). The issue I have is that I've noticed some problems with it already and am really questioning the maintenance practices of the former owner/s. The concerns I have are as follows:

1. It seems to be leaking oil slightly from the left side (side stand side of the bike) of the head gasket. Is that normal? I may have put slightly too much oil in it by going a bit above the "min" screw line. Are the bikes that sensative to oil level?

2. It smokes profusely for a very short time upon starting and I mean blue smoke as in burning oil vs black smoke as in too rich. Again, did I mess the thing up by putting a slight amount too much oil? The smoke stops after about 20 seconds and then stops smoking completely and doesn't seem to be continuing to burn oil so that one is puzzling.

3. The plug is dark and oily (again probably related to the above but somewhat contradicts # 5 below).


4. It is hard to start with the e-start, it has to crank about 20+ turns will backfire slightly and then will start up. It appears to be running too lean since turning in the A/F screw shortens the starting period. However, it does start fairly easily kick starting which makes me question the valve adjustment as indicated in the FAQ on this page.

5. The bike seems to idle somewhat normally (with a few slight hiccups but not terribly radical) when cold but once on the trail and heated up the idle becomes erradic especially with the A/F mix at 1.5 turns. It will then occasionally stall in the woods and will be very difficult to start with the e-start and then display some more serious backfiring. A lean condition gets worse when it heats up!?

6. As far as I know the bike is stock except for a big gun full exhaust. I was planning on pulling the carb to check jetting since it could be jetting for the high desert and I am running near sea level and who knows if the previous owner riched up for the new exhaust. I also will inspect for carb boot leaks and and a dirty pilot jet. However the other issues make me wonder whether a more serious overhaul is needed. I am not into it too deeply and have a buddy who would buy it from me simply to have a fun project but I really think this could be a fun bike long term. Oh one other thing I noticed that one of the fork seals is leaking after the last ride, I haven't disassembled a fork but they look pretty straightforward.

Any advice on the causes of the oil smoking, lean symptoms and oil leaks would be appreciated. In general, should I cut my losses or are there less serious issues at play?


Tripwire

Thanks guys, I have decided to keep the bike...but!!!!

Thanks for the advice on the berg, I plan on keeping it. I took out the carb and it has some grime in the pilot and I think that was the problem with the carb. I also decided to check the valves and they were in need of adjustment as well...

However, after putting everything back together the auto decompressor doesn't work and my e-start will only turn it a few turns. I double checked my adjustments and I was a bit conservative i.e. I erred on the side of too much play but it still isn't engaging. Any ideas?

Again...Thanks very much for the advice. I finally found the time to finish the valve job and everything appears to work. I was a total ***** and had adjusted them at TDC on the exhaust stroke which is why it was so frustrating... luckily I didn't run the engine just tried the estart. Once I figured out I should be putting it on the compression stroke it was a piece of cake.

However, I can definitely hear some valve clicking now whereas before is was almost perfectly quiet (which I understand is a problem). The smoking appears to have gone away as well which from what I have been told could have been caused by the valves not closing enough due to being too tight and letting some oil leak in.

So my final question (at least on this topic) is how much clicking should I hear? It doesn't sound bad but after hearing close to nothing it does seem weird. Also, should it diminish somewhat after a few hours of riding?


So again, thanks alot for all the help...you guys rock!


Tripwire