Oil leak

[Hmar]

Hi all,
So, My 81 special, which treats me well and has required very little of me, is leaking oil out of the far right side exhaust port. She also makes little backfires while accelerating/decelerating, I believe this is timing and not related to the oil leak.
The leak has been with me for a while now, but seems to be getting worse. Does an oil leak from here mean rings? What else am I likely to find needs to be done when I open it up?
Thanks

[jwhughes3]

Not necessarily rings....I think bad valve seals coupled with fouled plugs (not combusting oil) will push leaking oil out exhaust too.

Since changing seals is much easier and cheaper I would check that first. Maybe a leakdown test?

Someone smart will chime in soon.

John

[James England]

I'd replace the stem seals first. There is a valve spring compressor which works without having to remove the head. I used one on my Honda GL1000 and it worked a treat. It has a couple of claws which hold the valve spring and a bit that compresses the top of the valve. You need one of those telescopic wands with a magnet on the end, to remove the valve collets.