Running fuel leak/heavy exhaust from one pipe, 1981 GS1100e

[Guest]

I have an 81 gs1100e with all stock parts that's been having a bad fuel leak from somewhere in the front of the engine while it's running...bad enough that I'm getting around 50 miles to a full tank of gas. There is no leak when the bike is off. Also, I get a high amount of exhaust coming from the left pipe, and seemingly almost none from the right.

-I do know that the head gasket has always had a slight leak, and that's how it was when the previous owner first bought it.

-The exhaust header on the left side has a small leak and backfires periodically, though it doesn't seem bad enough to cause such a drastic leak on its own. (I could be wrong, of course)

My buddy thought there could be a carb putting too much gas through, or I may just need a new spark plug.

Any suggestions?
Thanks!

[78550GS]

Sounds like the petcock and carbs need rebuilt to me, the "experts" will be here to tell me if I'm wrong, shortly.

[Joe Guilbeau]

Spark Plug examination will tell you a lot.

[mrbill5491]

I would stop riding it and fix the problems you mentioned. That much fuel leaking could cause a fire. Check your PMs.

[obxGS1100]

Been away for awhile, finally getting around to addressing this...thanks for the tips so far!

I checked the spark plugs and they look like the 3rd one down in this chart....wet fouling: http://ngksparkplugs.com/tech_suppor...qs/faqread.asp
What does that mean?

[JTGS850GL]

Been away for awhile, finally getting around to addressing this...thanks for the tips so far!

I checked the spark plugs and they look like the 3rd one down in this chart....wet fouling: http://ngksparkplugs.com/tech_suppor...qs/faqread.asp
What does that mean?

Are all the plugs the same black color?

Like what was said earlier... Rebuild the carbs and I'd verify that the petcock is working correctly. If not then replace it.

When rebuilding the carbs VERIFY that the primary jets are the correct ones for your GS1100E.
You should have:
107.5 main jet
45 Pilot jet
Verify Float height and verify that they're sealing properly.

How do you know you have a head gasket leak? Leaking oil? Low compression? PO word of mount? If it's bad then replace it.

When was the last time the valves were adjusted?

Not trying to be a wise A$$ but asking an engine to run correctly when there are known issues is not reasonable.

[obxGS1100]

JTG-

Plugs 1 and 2 have the black color, 3 and 4 look fine.

The petcock seems fine...Prime will get the engine started if it's been sitting awhile, switching to reserve tank works, etc...

There is an oil leak coming from the head gasket. This was always the case since the previous owner had it as well...he just had never addressed it, so it's on me haha.

Not certain on the valves, but the previous owner had been otherwise good about maintenance, so I would guess within the year. I've just left him a message to get a definite answer.

also- no "wise-a$$" vibes picked up here. I appreciate the help...apologies for my ignorance, I'm new to all this.

[tom203]

Plug 1 is under clutch lever, right?? Petcock might seem fine but could be leaking down vacuum line into #2 cylinder. Any smell of gas in your crankcase oil? Are you using kickstand mostly?
Best to assume that valve clearance check and carb work is calling despite PO's assurances.