Head Gasket Problem-Lots of Oil-Need Help

[mela]

Hi,
I have 1982 gs650L Suzuki which I have a project bike and it is getting bigger by the day.
There is oil coming out from the second gasket down under the valve cover gasket about 2" to 3". I believe that is the head gasket where the oil is coming out.
Anyone with a simple solution or a detailed instruction on how to replace the head gasket to stop the oil coming out.
I would appreciate any and all input.
Thanks,
Mel

[mark]

You need a manual, first of all.

If indeed it is your head gasket, there are no short-cuts......it only comes apart one way. A Vesrah gasket kit is a good way to go. It comes with all the gaskets you need for your valve cover, head, base gaskets and any o-ring seals you might need (plus more).

Be aware that if you have to pull the head, you'll probably need to pull the block and replace the base gasket....since the head and block are both held in place by the head nuts...so you'll be down to the pistons hanging out for a while.

Be prepared also to spend some time getting your head gasket surfaces prepared for re-assembly....it can take some time to remove all the old gaskets.

Once its apart, its hard not to put in new rings, hone cylinders, re-lap or grind valves, put in new valves seals etc. so be prepared for those temptations and decide what you want to do.

Good luck.

[kichigai]

[quote=mark;711329]You need a manual, first of all.

If indeed it is your head gasket, there are no short-cuts......it only comes apart one way. A Vesrah gasket kit is a good way to go. It comes with all the gaskets you need for your valve cover, head, base gaskets and any o-ring seals you might need (plus more).

quote]

I have the same problem with my 1983 GS1100esd. Any idea where I can get a Vesrah gasket kit for my bike?

[Nessism]

Check Z1 Enterprises for a web purchase. Since you are in So Cal you can pick up Vesrah gasket kits from Sudco - do will call. Good bunch of folks to deal with.

In support of Mark's comments I'd strongly suggest at least replacing the valve stem seals and base gasket. Rings are recommended of course since it's only another $100 or so to do the job right.

Edit: Link for Z1 added. Looks like they are out of stock...but part number starts with SU which I think means sudco. May as well go straight to the source.

http://z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=1991

http://www.sudco.com/vol33/240-246.pdf

[BassCliff]

You need a manual, first of all.

If indeed it is your head gasket, there are no short-cuts......it only comes apart one way. A Vesrah gasket kit is a good way to go. It comes with all the gaskets you need for your valve cover, head, base gaskets and any o-ring seals you might need (plus more).

I have the same problem with my 1983 GS1100esd. Any idea where I can get a Vesrah gasket kit for my bike?

Mr. kickigai,

We'll forgive you for the thread hijack. :-D

I think you want part # VG-3004-VM and it seems that you can find it through underbid.com at Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse, click here. I'm sure it's available at other places. I've dealt with MAW and they're cool.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[kichigai]

Sorry for the hijack Mela! My bad! At least we know where to get the gaskets now!

Thanks Nessism and BassCliff for the info!

[Billy Ricks]

Mel,

You might be able to get by retorquing the head. I know you don't have alot of money to spend on this project. It's worth a shot and I have a torque wrench I'd be willing to send to you as a loaner along with some pages out of my manual to help you along. It wouldn't cost anything to give it a shot.

[nabrams]

Now this is not meant to discourage you, but you should know what you're getting yourself into.
Replacing a head gasket is not going to be simple for someone who's never done anything more complicated than changing the oil, brakes and the like (if that's the level you're at). Not that you shouldn't attempt it - just that you should expect it to take MANY hours, and make many mistakes before getting it right (and probably have to buy a whole slew of new tools - quality torue wrench, valve depressor tool, etc.). You will almost certainly snap one/several exhaust bolts or camp cap bolts (which may require drill/tap/heli-coil), the cam chain needs to be set right on the cam shafts, the surfaces must be spotless and NOT warped in order for the gasket to seal properly, etc.
In short, if you've got the time and patience, go for it. The tool acquistion costs and the the cost of the gasket are miniscule compared to what you'll pay a "shop" to do the job. And the "shop" will likely make you wait for weeks/months till they get around to your low-profit job.

[TheRedlineMan]

You're a little ray of sunshine ain't ya Nabrams \\/

But dead right of course. Not being sure if it's the head gasket isn't a good starting point.

Might be a better idea to get the gasket kit, pull the motor out and drop it off to an engine rebuilding shop to do the actual work, if you can afford it that is. Price out what tools you'll need to get (decent torque wrenches aren't cheap, and mistakes can be very expensive) and get a quote on the work.