1980 GS1000E oil leak - please help diagnose

[80GS1000]

Hi everyone-

Thanks for all the great information on this site. You guys are fantastic! \\/

Hopefully this will be an easy question for you.

I have a 1980 GS1000E that has developed a slow oil leak. The bike has about 26k miles. The leak appears to be coming from the gasket above the red arrow in the picture below.

What is this gasket called, and should I be concerned about the leak? It's slow enough that it doesn't drip, but enough to stain the engine around it. How long do you think it'd take for a mechanic to replace this gasket? Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Boondocks]

It's the valve (or cam) cover gasket. If it's a slow leak it's nothing to worry about. It's easy to replace, and you can get gaskets at a reasonable price on eBay. If you have any mechanical aptitude and a shop manual, you should be able to change it yourself. It won't take a mechanic long to change it, but you will pay dearly.

If the leak is real slow, just wash off the oil with a good cleaner like Simple Green and it will restore it to a nice oil free condition.

[Joe Nardy]

If you decide to change the gasket (I would because the leak will never get better, only worse) be sure to get the half-moon rubber seals for the end of the cover. Pop one of the chrome covers to see the seals. Also, http://www.realgaskets.com/ makes re-usable silicone gaskets. You can tackle this yourself, it involves simply removing screws, removing the cam cover, gently scraping the gasket from the surfaces, then installing the new gasket.

Joe

[80GS1000]

Thanks for the replies.

So this is what I need, correct? If so, I'll go ahead and order one.

[Boondocks]

Yes, that's the one, but the gasket recommended by Joe at Real Gaskets is a better gasket. The Real Gasket is a premium quality gasket formed of silicone rubber, is reusable and should last for the life of the motorcycle.

[80GS1000]

If you decide to change the gasket (I would because the leak will never get better, only worse) be sure to get the half-moon rubber seals for the end of the cover. Pop one of the chrome covers to see the seals. Also, http://www.realgaskets.com/ makes re-usable silicone gaskets. You can tackle this yourself, it involves simply removing screws, removing the cam cover, gently scraping the gasket from the surfaces, then installing the new gasket.

Joe

Thanks for the help. I'm going to order a gasket from Real Gaskets like you recommended. Where can you find a half-moon rubber seal, and how many do you need?

[KGB]

One thing with the real gasket, is be VERY careful when you bolt down the cover. Hap and a few others found out not to use the tourque specs
from the manual.


I'm sure one of them will chime in about how much to tighten.

[marvinsc]

Hi everyone-

Thanks for all the great information on this site. You guys are fantastic! \\/

Hopefully this will be an easy question for you.

I have a 1980 GS1000E that has developed a slow oil leak. The bike has about 26k miles. The leak appears to be coming from the gasket above the red arrow in the picture below.

What is this gasket called, and should I be concerned about the leak? It's slow enough that it doesn't drip, but enough to stain the engine around it. How long do you think it'd take for a mechanic to replace this gasket? Thanks in advance for any replies.

My 80 GS850G was Leaking in Exactly the Same Spot. I Tightened the Bolt on that Corner and It Has Stopped. For Now at Least. Have You Tried That Yet?

[tconroy]

Thanks for the replies.

So this is what I need, correct? If so, I'll go ahead and order one.

get the one from real gaskets you will be better off and wont have to put gasket sealer or anything on it.