Oiling the head...

[81gs1100]

I have a question Im sure one of you smart guys can answer.

I just got my GS running after its been sitting for many, many years, let it run for about a minute and now changing the oil.

My question is, can I check for oil pressure to the head by lossening the rocker arm bolts that come out of the head? Or is there a safer more surefire way to check top end oiling without removing the head cover?

81 GS1100E 16 valve head

[reddirtrider]

Pull the valve cover and see if there's fresh oil up there. You need to set the valves anyway.

[81gs1100]

Pull the valve cover and see if there's fresh oil up there. You need to set the valves anyway.

I was hoping to put that off till i get everything else gone over...

Just wanted to pour in some fresh oil and iron out some electrical tests and make sure thats all working good. As well as running it up and down the gears making sure the tranny is not making goofy noises. Just would like to know there is oil making it to top as I let it run while checking other stuff.

And when that all checks out and seem road worthy to me, I will do the valves at that time. Just in the meantime without poping the cover is there a way to check top end oiling?

[Steve]

Not sure if there is a shortcut like you are asking for, but running up and down through the gears won't matter at all if the engine isn't running right.
For that to happen, you need properly-set valves and clean carbs.
And, as reddirtrider mentioned, while you have the valve cover off to set the valves, you can see the oil flow while cranking the engine.

.

[Nessism]

Agree with the others; do the valves now. Full carb tear rebuild along with a valve adjustment are the first two steps to any restoration project.