Muskrat, I bet that hurt. Up my way, the Bulahdelah mountain was bypassed some 10 years ago- a winding road in the forest, and I thought what a great blast it would be now the traffic has gone. However, it had been unused for about 6 months and the road was now covered in green slime and leaves. With a long sigh I toodled along enjoying the scenery instead with one foot down. No crutches needed.
Yesterday pulled down the GF top end, with determination to check Everything. I think I found 99% of the reason for the smoke fairly quickly. The LHS Small end bush was reamed off-square. There was a 9 thou difference from Left to Right on the piston top at TDC. ie it tilts to the right. I could put a feeler gauge down the left side at 17 thou, Couldn't get the 1&1/2 one in on the right side of the piston. Last thing I expected!! The piston rings were probably acting like an oil pump. Explains why it always took 30 seconds for the smoke to start. Bores look OK and are parallel - 18.50 mm between cylinders top and bottom.
The RHS piston is square within 1 thou. It doesn't smoke.
Now whether to try bush replacement & reaming in-situ or pull the whole thing down yet again.??? My favourite shop won't do it and wants the rods. I've read the blogs so am wary of in-situ. I know you have done it Musky.!
Given the horrors I have found sofar, it might pay me to do the whole job. The rod looks & measures straight as far as I can tell, but??
Col