81 GS450 Crankcase cover removal

[wildbill43]

Hey everyone,

I got a leak in my crankcase cover right on the top next to the gs450 badge. I'm sure it is just the gasket but I was curious on how to remove the cover? I pulled the inspection plate off which I thought was just the clutch but I was on the wrong side of the bike. HA Ha. It looks like its the inspection cover for the timing. I didn't want to mess it up so I was looking for help on the proper way to do this. I looked in my clymer manual but it doesn't say much about the process. Any help would be appreciated. I am running out of nice days here in Seattle and need to get my bike back on the street. Thanks

[apopleptic]

any chance you can put up a pic of the leak?
I could probably give you more info then, or someone else can chime in ;-)

[pete]

Definitely post a pic... all I'm thinking at the moment is timing cover, but there should be no oil behind that, or the clutch cover, which is basically the entire right side case cover and has the timing cover as part of it...

[wildbill43]

I will post some pics tonight. It is not leaking from the timing cover inspection but from the clutch cover I guess. That is not good if there shouldn't be oil behind it. Hmm. It is definitely the right side of the bike. I will get a pic and point out where the leak is coming from. thanks

[wildbill43]

I guess I'm not smart enough to figure out how to post pics. I can email some to you. It is leaking right where the serial number stamp is. Just to the left of where the oil filler stick is located.

[wildbill43]

Ha, I figured it out. Here are the pics. The gasket is leaking right in front of where the gs450 serial badge is. I was trying to figure out how the case is removed regarding the timing lobe. Any help would be appreciated.

[Big Rich]

Have you tried cleaning off around the leak, putting some talcum powder around it, then running the engine for a little while? I can't see the specific area of the leak, but it sounds like it could neyour base gasket that is leaking. Or even the o ring under the filler cap. I would diagnose exactly where the leak is coming from before tearing parts off.

As far as the timing side goes- there is a bolt on the end of the crankshaft that holds that cap on (the cap also has a hex head on it). Put one wrench on the hex head of the cap, and another wrench to loosen the bolt. Once the bolt is out, the cap slides off, and you can take the right side cover off.

[pete]

Yeah I'm with Rich on the clean and talcum powder thing, I can't see anything like a leak in those pic's either I'm afraid...

[wildbill43]

Thanksguys. You can"t see the leak becuse it wasn't warmed up. It only strts leaking in the spot where I explained below the g when the motor is under load and building up pressure when I'm rolling. I've watched it flow out while riding before. When you get on the throttle its starts. I think the gasket needs to be replaced unless you guys think it will seal with the powder. At the rate it comes out though i'm skeptical.

[apopleptic]

I have taken these pictures since you started your thread. maybe they'll help.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=182568

[wildbill43]

Thanks for the pics. i'm sure they will be of good use. hoping to tackle this early next week. I'll let you know how it goes.

[apopleptic]

make sure you get all the screws out.

I may have mislabeled the 25mm screw on this. I think it may have been the one to the right of the one marked as 25mm

[pete]

If it's leaking just below the "G" in the engine number, then yeah that will definitely be the clutch cover/right case cover gasket.