Author Topic: Guess I have a head gasket leak  (Read 649 times)

Offline davidrsmith

  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 108
    • View Profile
Guess I have a head gasket leak
« on: February 11, 2018, 07:49:40 PM »
Hi

I took my CB550 K3 out for a ride today, I only did about 15 miles but when I got home I noticed oil trickles down the gearbox casing on the left hand side and also on the gear lever rubber. On closer inspection the cylinder block engine cooling fins also appear to have oil on them. See picture below.  So I guess it means a top end gasket change?

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]


Also when the bike was warm and ticking over I also noticed that cylinder 4 was popping every now and then. What could be the cause of this and I guess it is not worth trying to fix it until the head gasket is done?

Many thanks
Dave

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 8206
    • View Profile
Re: Guess I have a head gasket leak
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2018, 08:02:04 PM »
Could the leak be from the cam end cap?. But, if it's popping, its probably the head gasket  :'( :'( :'(
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline Johnwebley

  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 3204
    • View Profile
Re: Guess I have a head gasket leak
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2018, 09:59:36 PM »
clean it all off,

 using a good cleaner,

  then coat with talcom powder,scent of your choice,or even french chalk,
run the engine again,get it hot,see were the oil is coming from,


 you should be able to do this on the center stand,it will show easily
lifelong motorcycle rider,and fan

Offline Seabeowner

  • SOHC Pro
  • Posts: 986
    • View Profile
Re: Guess I have a head gasket leak
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2018, 10:13:44 PM »
clean it all off,

 using a good cleaner,

  then coat with talcom powder,scent of your choice,or even french chalk,
run the engine again,get it hot,see were the oil is coming from,

But probably the O ring on the oil feed to the cam at the head gasket. Seen quite a few leaks there and all were the LHS.
Sorry!
Phil
1971  CB500K0  Candy Jade Green or Candy Gold
1973  CB500K1  Candy Ruby Red
1975  CB550F1   Shiny Orange
1978  CB550K     Excel Black

Offline totty

  • SOHC Expert
  • Posts: 389
    • View Profile
Re: Guess I have a head gasket leak
« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2018, 11:00:13 AM »

But probably the O ring on the oil feed to the cam at the head gasket. Seen quite a few leaks there and all were the LHS.
Sorry!

If this is the source it may correct itself, mine did this whenever it had been stood a few months but cleared up with frequent use.

 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal