82 GS550L Gunked Up Crankcase

[psorboy]

:-kI have a 82 GS550L with approx 9000mi. I noticed that once and while the bike would not shift into 6th gear or slip out of 6th gear. Recently it seems the gears have been louder but I can't describe what it sounded like. However I seemed like something different then the chain noise. This weekend I removed the crankcase cover to discover the whole area was covered with thick gunk. I checked the oil pan cover and the other side was clean so I verified the gunk was isolated to the crank case. The carbs were leaking gas and orginially I thought that was the issue (hence why I orginally removed the crank case cover), however now I think there is other issues. I'm assuming my next step is to inspect the gear box as everything on the sprocket & chain side look okay except for the gunk. Do I need to remove the engine from the bik or can I fix whatever the problem is with th engine still on the bike? I was wondering what the experts think my problem is? Also, I found half a washer with multiple ball bearing but I have no idea where it goes. I check Bike Bandit diagrams and it doesn't show it. Help:-k

 

[Nessism]

Broken ball bearing is not good. If you post a photo maybe someone here can help identify what it is. The clutch actuator uses a flat bearing so maybe it broke in half, and if so, it's easy to fix. Regarding the sludge, I'd pull the oil pan off and take a look. You should clean the oil pump pickup and get as much of the sludge out as possible before deciding what to do next.