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  • Swampthing sprung a leak...

    Ok I noticed some oil splatter on the left side of the engine...

    So upon closer inspection i find the source...

    Minor for sure but what to tighten?
    Last edited by madmax-im; 04-24-2014, 11:56 AM.
    1980 XS650G Special-Two
    1993 Honda ST1100

  • #2
    Ben, It looks like the head gasket. You might want to check the compression on #1 there and see if it's dropped any. (or at least see if it's lower than the other 3)
    That might show if the gasket has failed at the piston area and not just the oil area.
    When my head gasket blew, it was blowing out exhuast gasses out between the head and cylinders. It was quite noticeable.

    As you can see the gasket failed between #1 & #2

    Though, I don't remember there being any oil passages on the outer sides of the cylinders, so maybe your leak is from the front and it's getting blown around the left side.
    Hi, my name is George & I'm a twisty addict!

    80G (Green paint(PO idea))
    The Green Monster
    K&N A/F, TC's fuse block, '81 oil cooler, TC's homemade 4-2 w/Mac Mufflers, Raptor 660 ACCT
    Got him in '04.
    bald tire & borrowing parts

    80SG (Black w/red emblems & calipers)
    Scarlet
    K&N A/F, TC's fuse block, WJ5, Shoei bags, Raptor 660 ACCT.
    Got her in '11
    Ready for the twisties!

    81H (previously CPMaynard's)
    Hugo
    Full Venturer, Indigo Blue with B/W painted tank.
    Cold weather ride

    Comment


    • #3
      More than likely the valve cover gasket or the oil transfer tube is leaking an blowing around the engine on the finns. A head gasket wouldn't blow oil.

      When the oil transfer tube gasket was leaking at the back of the head on RockinD's bike the oil ran around the head and looked almost like it was coming out of the #1 exhaust port. A valve cover gasket will do the same thing if it's leaking in around the spark plug wells. It'll leak out the water drain holes and look like it's coming out the head gasket or exhaust.
      Greg

      Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

      ― Albert Einstein

      80 SG Ol' Okie;79 engine & carbs w/pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, Custom Mac 4 into 2 exhaust, ACCT,XS850 final drive,110/90/19 front tire,TKat fork brace, XS750 140 MPH speedometer, Vetter IV fairing, aftermarket hard bags and trunk, LG high back seat, XJ rear shocks.

      The list changes.

      Comment


      • #4
        Yeah, I would go around and make sure nothing loosened, check the torque on the valve cover, head nuts and chain tensioner. BTW, it has the auto chain tensioner.

        You sure its from you? Could have run into something? Does it taste like maple syrup?

        Wash and ride see what happens?
        Former owner, but I have NO PARTS LEFT!

        Comment


        • #5
          gonna take the bike out of the shed and take a very close look...
          1980 XS650G Special-Two
          1993 Honda ST1100

          Comment


          • #6
            looks like head gasket leak


            ACCT area is greasy but its dry compared to the gasket area

            no tubes or hoses off or leaking
            1980 XS650G Special-Two
            1993 Honda ST1100

            Comment


            • #7
              That leak is probably coming from the valve cover and just blowing around and collecting down there. I'd clean it off with some brake cleaner and a rag and check around the valve cover for leaks. It also might be leaking from the metal oil tube that feeds oil to the head.
              Last edited by bikerphil; 04-24-2014, 03:15 PM.
              2H7 (79) owned since '89
              3H3 owned since '06

              "If it ain't broke, modify it"

              Comment


              • #8
                ok I'm fairly certain the valve cover gaskets are clean and dry...nothing from that area...just went to double check...
                1980 XS650G Special-Two
                1993 Honda ST1100

                Comment


                • #9
                  I'm having the same issue ...but it looks like the oil is coming off myfloat bowls....head and all fins r dryno oil anywhere but the carb rail
                  79 xs1100 standard ....Bobber project

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Lol, obviously your carbs are not leaking oil. My leak is directly below your's.
                    1979 XS1100F
                    2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Yea I thought it was fuel at first bit nope golden oil....pulled the carbs and everything is dry ....
                      79 xs1100 standard ....Bobber project

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by madmax-im View Post

                        ACCT area is greasy but its dry compared to the gasket area

                        no tubes or hoses off or leaking
                        Dang Ben, Wash that thing!

                        The nastiest mess is right there around the tensioner, clean that up and keep an eye on that.

                        And change those old rusty plugs! I wonder how long those have been in there.
                        Greg

                        Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

                        ― Albert Einstein

                        80 SG Ol' Okie;79 engine & carbs w/pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, Custom Mac 4 into 2 exhaust, ACCT,XS850 final drive,110/90/19 front tire,TKat fork brace, XS750 140 MPH speedometer, Vetter IV fairing, aftermarket hard bags and trunk, LG high back seat, XJ rear shocks.

                        The list changes.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Springtime tuneup will ensue next week after paycheck arrives...will check and torque the head bolts and will change oil and filter...and clean up engine grime... replace those rusty plugs or clean them up too... I'm not much on cleaning things...i ride it as long as all the fluids stay where they're supposed to...this bike is not a museum piece its gets ridden daily
                          BTW whats the best way to clean that grime out of the ACCT area? would a can of brake cleaner be ok? I have checked carefully and no oil is running from the ACCT to the area where i see the gasket leak
                          Last edited by madmax-im; 04-25-2014, 05:53 AM.
                          1980 XS650G Special-Two
                          1993 Honda ST1100

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Yeah, brake cleaner and a tooth brush. Although, I can't take my own advice, as I think it'll peel the paint off my engine. Maybe degreaser for me.
                            1979 XS1100F
                            2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by madmax-im View Post
                              Springtime tuneup will ensue next week after paycheck arrives...will check and torque the head bolts and will change oil and filter...and clean up engine grime... replace those rusty plugs or clean them up too... I'm not much on cleaning things...i ride it as long as all the fluids stay where they're supposed to...this bike is not a museum piece its gets ridden daily
                              BTW whats the best way to clean that grime out of the ACCT area? would a can of brake cleaner be ok? I have checked carefully and no oil is running from the ACCT to the area where i see the gasket leak
                              You know, ben, that greasy stuff on the front may be residual. I couldn't get all of it out, didn't have the facilities in my little apartment. Why don't you simple green / engine degreaser / power wash it.

                              Don't use brake cleaner, it will dissolve the paint. The engine has a coat of high-heat aluminum on it.
                              Former owner, but I have NO PARTS LEFT!

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