base gasket dilema

[redbone]

the base gasket [between crankcase and cylinder head] on my 1980 1100 is leaking and getting progressively worse. leaks at the very rear dead center.
i have tried cleaning it well and actually injecting that c1194 [i think thats what it's called] gasket stuff in there with a syring. NFG. so, all that said, a couple questions;
*does the engine need to be removed from the frame to get that cylinder head off the engine?
*do you guys know of an alternitive way to seal that from the outside?

the other parts of this dilemma are,
1. i don't trust my mechanical skills to attempt a proper fix.
2. i have no help
3. i have no garage to attempt this in.

i have spoken to a mechanic that is quite familiar and knowledgable with the xs1100 and the problem. the approx price quoted is about what i paid for the whole bike!$^* WTF

any input greatly appreciated.
tx,
redbone

[DiverRay]

Clean it REALLY WELL in the front. Check you CAM CHAIN ADJUSTER for oil leaks. This is the leak 95% of the time! IF it IS the base leaking, clean the front of the base with solvent to remove ALL the oil, then clean it again! Get a tube of fuel tank sealer from the auto parts store, and run a bead of that across the base, covering the gasket area and about 5mm on both sides of it. That should keep the leak at bay, and still make it possible to remove the barrels at a later date.

[natemoen]

I agree with DiverRay, check the cam chain adjuster first. You dont even have to pull the adjuster out just clean it up good with a brush and some carb cleaner and then smear some sealer around the base of it and then on the end cap as well. Most likely the problem but might not be.

The engine does not need to be removed from the frame. Just got done pulling mine apart and putting it back together. Its a PITA but not difficult. If you do pull it apart you will need a new head gasket but everything else you can use a liquid gasket. I would suggest using an anaerobic gasket sealer instead of a aerobic silicone sealer during reassembly. The anaerobic will not dry out and get hard until you press all the parts back together so you do not have to hurry and can take your sweet time on reassembly, and it can take awhile to get the cylinders back on the pistons!!

If you dont have a manual get one! If you do plan to take the jugs off and reseal the base ask questions if your not sure, better to ask before than to regret later! PM me if you need any help I can try to help if possible!

Good Luck!

[Ken Talbot]

Clean it REALLY WELL in the front. Check you CAM CHAIN ADJUSTER for oil leaks. This is the leak 95% of the time!

Then, another 4.5% of the time, the cam cover gasket will start leaking inside of the "H" shape where you can't see it without removing the tank. From there, it runs out of some drain holes to the front or rear, down the cylinders in a very fine clear stream, then back through the cylinder block again to where it can pool in the most unlikely places.

Remove the tank so you can clean both sides of the top end very well, then dust it all with some baby powder. Fire it up for a bit of a run, stop, and go looking for oil traces through the powder. If there are no traces, then think about going in to replace the gasket.