Oily Engine Front

[AustinPhoenix]

I just picked up a super nice 80 xs1100g, but it doesn't run. There's a lot of grime on the front of the engine and I haven't cleaned it to see where it's coming from just yet. It doesn't start right now, but I'll mess with it this afternoon. It sat for 9 months.

I'm thinking I'm going to have to remove the tank for cleaning, same with the carbs, check the battery, change the fluids, and see where the leak is at. Anything else I should look for?

The guy I bought her from had the final drive rebuilt, 4 to 2 exhaust, new head gasket, fork seals, tune up, tires (but the rear won't hold air), and new battery (low on water right now).

How many components are compatible from a 79 xs1100 to this one?

Thanks all!!

[John]

I would look at the cam chain tensioner as the likely culprit causing the oil leak. The rubber plug at the end of it may have fallen out. It is located on the front of the engine, between #2 & 3 exhaust pipes. Do a search on the tensioner, and you will find many posts on the subject.
Many 79 F will fit on the 80 G, jus depends what part it is.

[mro]

Have you read this?
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...=&threadid=792

Is the 79' a special or standard?
80 is when the carbs changed to the BS34 III's, cams and pistons changed too. Still there be many parts that will interchange and can swap a full carb bank between years.


mro

[AustinPhoenix]

Tensioner

I was going to ask about that. I was cleaning around it and noticed most of residue was right around it. Thanks for the pointer!

The guy laid it down before parking it. The only damaged part that concerns me is the left side cover with Yamaha stamped into it. It's rashed through. Is that the clutch or crank cover?

[mro]

Crank/timing cover


mro

[AustinPhoenix]

Thanks MRO...the guy said clutch...but I'm new to these bikes and took his word for it.

Thanks for the link as well.

Should I look online for the replacement to the tensioner rubber piece or is there a suitable replacement elsewhere?

[webbcraft2150]

Common and easy fix for a leaky tensioner is clean the hole with brake clean real well and fill with high temp silicone sealer. Been holding for years on my G. Or, you can get the right seal and replace it. The silicone trick requires no disassembly. If you remove the tensioner, follow the tech tips. You can inflict some major damage if you do it wrong.

[AustinPhoenix]

Thanks for the tip! I love the search function on forums...you all have a tremendous amount of knowledge. Thank you!

[BrianB]

Last Summer when I first got my bike, it was leaking at the cam chain tensioner as well. The plug was hard and brittle. I did a good cleaning of the area and replaced it with a new plug. I was able to order the new plug from our local Yamaha dealer for just a few bucks. No leaks at all now.

[AustinPhoenix]

hmmm

I cleaned the bike's front pretty well last night, but the little black plug is still in the tensioner. I guess I'll find out where it's coming from tonight when I get home. I has to be somewhere on the left side because there is slight oil residue on the bottom of the entire left side, but not the right.

Where does everybody get their replacement parts from? Ie. carb rebuild kits, caliper rebuild kits, etc Like anybody, I look for the best prices on everything.

[bikerphil]

rebuild kits

Partsnmore.net has good deals on carb and caliper parts.