engine question

[TeamRiceRacing]

I'm fixing up a 1980 XS1100 I got. I have a few problems with it currently, 1 there is a fitting on the front of the motor about mid way up. It looks like it's leaking oil, but also appears that something has broken off maybe. Hard to tell.
Best way to describe is is a circle spout out the front of the motor.

Second when the bike is running the fuel lines start spilling out fuel. I'm going to rerun the fuel lines because I think they are too long and crimp up. Also there was no clamps on any of the lines. Any thoughts or am I on the right track here?

When I got it the kid had thrown the coils away thinking he had a spark issue (can't check spark holding the spark plug in the air buddy). So I found some 79 coils, had to put some NGK resistor ends on them and got it running. Just need to figure out these few small headaches and I'll be off and running!

[DGXSER]

Th fitting your referring to is the cam chain tensioner. The end is supposed to have a rubber plug in it, but this often falls out. Many ways to plug it, RTV, buy the stock plug and RTV it in. Another option is to find one of the automatic cam chain tensioners that came on several of the newer style Yamaha bikes and bolt right up. They do not have that plug to leak.

As to the fuel leaking, alot of the stock lines had clamps on them. If you use the newer tygon you will not need clamps. If the fuel is leaking out the air filter box, then this is a carb issue. If it is truly running out around the fuel lines, I would replace the lines and get some clamps.

[TeamRiceRacing]

Thanks! There was fuel dumping out the carbs when I first got it running, but I think that was my fault more than the carbs...don't ask...lol. Now it just seems once it gets running the lines don't hold. they're old, green, and dang near make a v going from the petcock to the t fitting that goes over to valve and to bottom of carb.

Should I check cam tension before I RTV it up? If so any tips on doing this would be great. Been building cars for years, just got the motorcycle bug a few months ago.

[CatatonicBug]

Should I check cam tension before I RTV it up? If so any tips on doing this would be great. Been building cars for years, just got the motorcycle bug a few months ago.

Checking the tension is always a good idea, but make sure you do it RIGHT! Otherwise you can bend valves! Follow the procedure in the manual (if you don't have one, you can download one from the link in my signature). You'll need to take the timing cover off the left side of the engine and turn it until everything lines up just right. The auto CCT is a nice upgrade though, and MrOzz has one for sale here. Takes all the guesswork out of it and prevents future leakage.

[clcorbin]

What CatatonicBug said! Make SURE you have the crank in the right location before you release the plunger on the tensioner. The correct position pushes all the slack in the chain towards the tensioner so it can move out and take up the slack. Be sure to torque down the lock bolt correctly also. If the chain gets too loose, it will jump a tooth on a cam or (probably) crank. At that point, at least three valves are toast. So follow the procedure to do it right.

I finally upgraded my 79 to the automatic tensioners last year. Why oh WHY did I wait so long??? The bike is running quieter than it ever has in the 23 years I have owned it. Well worth the money for this upgrade.

Good luck on the repairs and welcome to the club!

[TeamRiceRacing]

Well for now I closed it up because I the clamps seemed to fix the fuel leak and I took it for a short ride around the block for the first time! Way different than my enduro or my rocket as far as feeling goes. Next up is to get the seat repaired..good think I work for a automotive/marine custom shop there. LOL. Then on to paint though I'm lovin the etching/primer flat green color.

Next up is get my GS550 bobber running about 3k rpm. LOL