1980 GS1100LT Top end rebuild

[sj67]

Hello to all. First I want to say that this site and the knowledge I gained from it is priceless!!! Thank you to all. I went for a ride today stopped for a bit and noticed oil leaking around the front of headgasket. So needless to say it looks like i am doing a top end rebuild. my question is there anything special I should be looking for? I have done this before on a 1982 kz1000ltd many years ago.Clymers says it can be done with engine in frame. Do you all recomend that?

[SqDancerLynn1]

It can be done in the frame, before you tear it apart make sure it is not just the cam cover gasket leaking or the chain tensioner both can blow oil onto the front of the motor

[Sunburn]

Rebuild? or just a new head gasket? How bad is the leak? Don't forget about the two front inside bolts with the o-ring that can fail. I'm dealing with that right now.

[chef1366]

It can be done with the engine in the frame. Make sure, as stated earlier, that it is not a tach gear seal or the valve cover gasket.
I have the same bike and can help you alot with anything. I've had mine torn down a time or two.

[sj67]

i am almost positive it is a head gasket,,getting a leak right at the front bolt on the head.

[Roostabunny]

i am almost positive it is a head gasket,,getting a leak right at the front bolt on the head.

I'd still check the stuff Chef suggested before you take off the head. That front bolt is almost right under the notoriously leaky tach sender. Everyone's gotta replace that gasket eventaully, but if your leak is the tach sender, you can at wait till winter for the head rebuild.

[chef1366]

If it's running down a bolt between the cylinders (where the air flows) there are o-rings in the head on the two front inner head bolts. There are also copper washers that Suzuki calls gaskets under the head bolts.
Got a pic?

[psyguy]

also...

make sure all the head holding nuts are properly torqued