SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550
550 head gasket - slight oil leak
andy_c101:
Hi,
This Autumn my 550K3 developed a slight oil weep at the LH-end (No1 Cyl) of the head gasket. :(
Nothing too serious, just an obvious wetness after say a 30mile run.
["I'm a great believer of "if it ain't broke don't fix it", but then I dont suppose this will cure itself!]
Isn't there an o-ring seal for an oil way from block-to-head on that side?
Its probably the original seal, so after 35years its must be due for replacement.
Me thinks its time for a top-end overhaul.
I think the "head-off job" is "a tank-off, in-frame job" isnt it?
Andy C
Bryanj:
Its a small "O" ring leaking but leave it alone till its leaking liquid. You need a COMPLETE top end set
You can strip down to base gasket level with engine in the frame and if you pull the head without lifting the barrels and changing the base gasket along with the "O" rings you are asking for future trouble
andy_c101:
Bryan,
thanks or the tip.
Andy
z1100r:
I'll agree in this case as it will be the - imposible to argue against - thing to do.
However, I myself wouldn't do it, I raced a 460 and 500/550/600 for a number of years during which time the tuning was a work in progress and consequently the heads were constantly on and off - say 5 or 6 times a season and through the winter aswell. I never once took the barrel off. I've swapped just the head loads of times with no problems at all.
You take each engine as you find it though I guess, an unknown engine i would strip anyway, but one I'd had for ages and knew didn't smoke and ran beautifully I would'nt strip, i'd just fix the oil leak.
SteveD CB500K0:
For a road bike, I'm with Bryan.
The force needed to separate the head from the barrels will most probably break the barrel/case join as well, leading to more work later.
On a race engine with multiple tear-downs per year, I can imagine that this would not be the case.
So you're both right!
;D
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