Topic: Do I really need this special tool?

[Todd Richards]

All

I am considering the replacement of those seeping o-rings on the cylinder/cylinder head interface, on my 1982 650 Nighthawk (SOHC/4)

I also suspect a leaking head gasket based on the fact that the compression for cylinders 1 & 2 read the same PSI, but are 10~12 PSI less than cylinders 3 & 4 that are also within 2 PSI of each other?

According to the Honda Service Manual a special tool is required for removal of the 10 (M8 & M6 ) flanged cylinder head bolts.

Can a successful disassembly/reassembly be done without this tool?

Thank you for your time and assistance, greatly appreciated

[754]

 They may be talking about the factory T handle tools, but sockets and extensions will do it..

[matt mattison]

All

I am considering the replacement of those seeping o-rings on the cylinder/cylinder head interface, on my 1982 650 Nighthawk (SOHC/4)

I also suspect a leaking head gasket based on the fact that the compression for cylinders 1 & 2 read the same PSI, but are 10~12 PSI less than cylinders 3 & 4 that are also within 2 PSI of each other?

According to the Honda Service Manual a special tool is required for removal of the 10 (M8 & M6 ) flanged cylinder head bolts.

Can a successful disassembly/reassembly be done without this tool?

Thank you for your time and assistance, greatly

What was the actual compression numbers? And what type of tester did you use?If all your cylinders are within say10% of each other, you are fine. You just might have normal ring wear and not a bad had gasket. I'd hate to do a head gasket and nothing changes.

[754]

 I just read read this, I was thinking CB 750, but answer may apply to other models.

[Todd Richards]

Matt

Cylinders 1&2 measured 135 +/- 1 PSI, Cylinders 3&4 measured 150 +/- 1  PSI.


This is why i suspected a head gasket leak?

[MCRider]

Matt

Cylinders 1&2 measured 135 +/- 1 PSI, Cylinders 3&4 measured 150 +/- 1  PSI.


This is why i suspected a head gasket leak?

Those are healthy numbers for a used engine. SB within 10% of each other. 135 x 1.1 = 148.5. Close enough.

The engine will run at 80psi+. It will run well at 120+. Perfect would be about 160+.

Leaking oil and leaking compression are 2 different things. MANY CBs leak oil out the head cheeze, but have fine compression readings. In which case the decision is can you live with the oil leak or not.

Both are referred to as a "leaky or blown head gasket"

[Todd Richards]

Thank You MC, appreciate your experience.