Oil leaks @ head gasket & cyl base

[NDAna]

'85 GS 850.
Just replaced the cam cover gasket and this fixed a major leak but have now discovered the leaks on the front of the engine- weeping out of the HG and Cyl base gaskets. Have searched for a cure. Any luck with retorquing the cylinder bolts? Any additives to help seal the leaks in the gaskets. Really do not want to pull the engine to replace those gaskets. Any advixe appreciated.

[Bigbri]

I have a '79 850 that has started to leak oil from the head gasket joint. It has become bad enough to leave a oil trail on both sides of the engine after a 2 hour ride. Yesterday it left a small oil spot on my driveway. I am ordering gaskets this week.

Mine on has about 1000 miles on since I put it back on the road.

Did you recently revive yours as well?

I tried retorguing the head because it couldn't hurt, but it didn't help either.
According to my Clymer's manual, The head and then the cylinders can be removed while in the frame.

Bigbri

[NDAna]

No revival- purchased as a rider a couple of years ago and is in nice shape other than the annoying leaks. Will check the shop manual for repair procedure. Really do not want to tear it that far down as base gasket is also leaking. Just the head, not that big a deal.

[Greg B]

You should be able to tear it down and put it all back together in a few hours. Just be careful getting the pistons back in the bores. Don't fold a ring.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Make sure the cam chain tensioner is not leaking, it can leak thru the front of the motor

[NDAna]

Make sure the cam chain tensioner is not leaking, it can leak thru the front of the motor

No doubt about it - upper and lower cylinder gaskets.