head gasket

[jbayreaux]

Well, looks like no one feel like buying my GS450. Looks like I am stuck with her. So, I was tinkering around and found that I have a HG leak. Hmm, wonder if that would cause the dreaded idle problem as well. So, I am wondering.... how hard is it to replace the head gasket? I am freaking out as I am afraid of not setting something right (cams, chain, etc). Is it a straight forward cut and dry method? Any tips?

[Nessism]

It's simple enough as long as you have a good manual. I recommend doing a compression check first so you can see how the rings and valves are. There is no reason to get that far into the motor just to fix a leak if the rings/valves are worn. FTI, sudco.com has a nice gasket kit for $46 last time I checked. And if your rings are bad, I'm selling a set of pistons and cylinders in great shape for cheap (check the for sale forum). Sorry for the rude plug.

[nabrams]

Doing a compression test with a head gasket leak is useless. The air will leak out the faulty gasket and you'll get low compression. There's zero chance of the bike idling properly with that head gasket leak. The good news is that the engine does not have to come out of the frame in order to get the head off (unlike my Honda CB750). Take it very slowly and use a manual and you should be able to get it done - of course, this all assumes that the head and block surfaces are not severely warped. make sure valve clearances are to spec when you're all done - if there's too little clearance then your compression will be low.
All told, it should take you about 7-10 hours if you've never done it before - I'm trying to be realistic here, based on my personal experience.

[jbayreaux]

strange

I wonder what the deal is. I did a compression test, and it held!!! no leaks, I mean it was perfect. The only reason I think i have a leak is the some grease buildup I see on the fins.

[Road_Clam]

It's simple enough as long as you have a good manual. I recommend doing a compression check first so you can see how the rings and valves are. There is no reason to get that far into the motor just to fix a leak if the rings/valves are worn. FTI, sudco.com has a nice gasket kit for $46 last time I checked. And if your rings are bad, I'm selling a set of pistons and cylinders in great shape for cheap (check the for sale forum). Sorry for the rude plug.

Replacing a head gasket is NOT "simple". Simple to a seasoned m/c mechanic. NOT simple for the novice. If you have a good mechanical understanding of engines, then as long as you have a shop manual to guide you along, then go for it. If you are having second thoughts, heade your own warnings, and have a shop perform the work (or maybe have a knowledegable friend help)

[SqDancerLynn1]

Can't remember where things went ? TAKE pictures!!!!

[nabrams]

Now, hold on there a second. Just because you see some build-up on the fins does not necessarily mean it's the head gasket that's leaking. It could be leaking from many places above the head gasket and dripping down - most commonly the valve cover. If you've got good compression then your other issues are related to carb and/or air-leak and/or ignition electrics and/or exhaust leaks.

[Nessism]

I agree that you should first confirm where the leak is coming from. Head gaskets often leak oil on these old GS bikes because the oil passage to the camshafts is around the head hold down studs (two studs? I can't remember how many).

Regarding how difficult it is to pull the head, I say that as long as you are not a bonehead and want to learn, go for it. I totally rebuilt the engine on my old Honda Hawk (not the real Hawk but a 1978 model) when I was in highschool. Actually had to pull the motor down twice since I messed up on the kickstart linkage. You learn from your mistakes.