Topic: Head Gasket Replacement.. other recommended replacements?

[cj8990]

So just yesterday after a ride on the express way I noticed smoke coming off the bike (1976 CB550K).  Pulled over and found oil leaking down the fins from what appeared to be the head gasket.. I think the smoke was caused by the oil dripping on the exhaust and burning up.  It wasn't leaking terribly but it was definitely more than a little bit.   After pulling the plugs they were oily.  I know all signs point to a head gasket but I want to be sure and do a compression test before moving too far forward.. will a motor with a blown head gasket always fail a compression test? 

My main question is about what other work would be recommended to tackle while the motor is apart?  I'm already in for this..

http://4into1.com/vesrah-complete-gasket-set-vg-155-honda-cb500-cb550/

and I know I'll be needing the 6 cap seals (pucks I think they're called) that are under the cam cover which are not included with that kit.  I was more curious about whether it is recommended since I'll have the motor torn down to replace other things like piston rings or to lap the valves.  Should the cam chain/cam chain tensioner be replaced?  Valve seals?  Anything else?  The bike currently has 22,000 miles and I don't know if the PO had any of this stuff done recently and nothing about how the bike is running as far as I know suggests it would be needed.. I'm just very particular and want my bike to run as well as a 39 year old bike can.  So which of this stuff is recommended, if any?

thanks,
-Corey

[rb550four]

cj8990
If you're going to have it all apart anyways, have 22k, don't know maint. history....You'll be getting the Vesrah complete gasket kit, Vesrah also has pucks (sold separately). if yours are original change them out.
A  lap job would be nice while you're changing out the valve seals.
A light hone and new rings are always nice...don't forget to get new clips.
check the condition of your tensioner before you run out and buy one, unless you are feeling compelled to buy parts.

Depending how particular are you, check your cam chain for slack , same with the primary chain.....if you go for this it won't just the top end anymore, you'll be splitting cases. If the previous owners did't run the balls of it , these items are usually alright  but if you don't like it's condition, nows the time to change it. DSS is the only place that sells primary chain as far as I know, can't get it from Honda anymore.

[DaveBarbier]

When it comes to a head gasket or anything that's holding back oil. I will always try to get OEM parts before I go for aftermarket. Sometimes oil seals are 13.9mm when they should be 14mm and that makes a difference. It takes a little more time to source parts, but it gives you piece of mind.

When I got my Vesrah kit the head gasket was creased. Before I saw that I had all intentions of using it but then I ordered an OEM one and the difference in quality was obvious. Also, last week I replaced my Vesrah oil pan o-ring when it started leaking after 6 months. Replaced with OEM.

[flatlander]

i agree with dave, get OEM wherever possible. tiny differences in sizes and quality do exist. i rebuilt my topend with OEM gaskets, o-rings, pucks. they will be a bit more expensive than an aftermarket kit but i'd rather pay the price than having to open it up again just to replace the stuff if it's no good.
the only thing where i did not use OEM is the head gasket itself where i used MLS.

you might want to either replace your rocker cover with a later model for the 550, or use the "o-ring trick" to prevent the shafts from rotating and wearing out their seat in the cover. this is assuming yours doesn't have the locked-down rocker shafts yet.
to get more info, search this forum for "550 rocker shaft wear".

[Wobbly]

I would only use genuine Honda seals and gaskets when possible. I say this based on nearly four decades experience with the 750 engine--mine and others. Honda works for me every time without having to install during a full moon or saying any kind of spell. There are no secret procedures that need to be followed to make them work the way they are supposed to. MLS leaked for me, possibly because I didn't were a crucifix during installation.
What else ought to be done depends on what you find once the head is off.
I don't know anything about the 550, but if it was a 750, I would replace the cam chain roller and chain tensioner simply because of the age/material.

[Skowinski]

Sounds like the OEM Honda head gaskets are still available somewhere?  I've tried to find one, but no luck, and so was thinking to use a Cometic on my rebuild.

[Wobbly]

Sounds like the OEM Honda head gaskets are still available somewhere?  I've tried to find one, but no luck, and so was thinking to use a Cometic on my rebuild.

Available from the known NOS dealers. But they cost a small fortune. EBay is an alternative. But if you want one, you find it.

[DaveBarbier]

https://www.davidsilverspares.com/parts/by-part-number/partnumber_22816/

[Wobbly]

https://www.davidsilverspares.com/parts/by-part-number/partnumber_22816/

They definitely have the best price for the original Honda  CB750 head gasket as well. Always a good source!

[rb550four]

I have to agree Vesrah pan gaskets suck.  I have Vesrah in 21  550 engines and the only gasket that ever leaked was the pan gaskets everything else seems to be holding up fine. I picked up Vesrah pucks for my next 2 engines....time will tell.

[DaveBarbier]

I have to agree Vesrah pan gaskets suck.  I have Vesrah in 21  550 engines and the only gasket that ever leaked was the pan gaskets everything else seems to be holding up fine. I picked up Vesrah pucks for my next 2 engines....time will tell.

I do have to say the only Vesrah gasket that has leaked for me or not worked out in general has been the oil pan o-ring. All others are holding up. I'm just a nervous Nancy when it comes to holding back oil...or combustion.