Topic: Cold Weather Problems?

[The Lone Builder]

I am currently in Canada and my bike has sat out in some cold weather over the past few days. However my problem started after the first night out when the temperature dropped below 0ºC.

Before leaving France I replaced valves and guides and obviously put on a new head gasket. I then drove some 1200+ Kms locally and through France to London with no issues.

When I retrieved the bike in Halifax, I decided to change the oil and filter before starting out. I only ran it for a short time to circulate the new oil. Next morning, I went out to find the front of the engine from head gasket down and over the filter housing covered in this new oil. Having checked everything I could think of, I started up and all seemed well, so I did a short test run. All still well, so I decided to go.

Now, maybe 1800 kms later, I have a leak at the head gasket, and the bike has an uneven and variable idle.

So where might this oil have come from? Is it possible that the could have somehow damaged the head gasket??? Or have I just been unlucky/

[bryanj]

Transport cant damage a gasket, i have seen the rocker cover gasket fitted backwards causing a leak, also the tacho drive oil seal otherwise a puck has moved.
You need to find exactly where the oil is coming from

[calj737]

I’d recommend re-torquing the head. A new gasket and miles will compress and stretch the bolts. Then sitting for a spell, well, it’s a much easier task if you’ve got a frame kit. It will also allow you to check the valve cover for leaks.

[newday777]

Sean
What gasket set did you use?
Did you have the head resurfaced like HondaMan recommends and the orings has has that are thicker to go with the thicker headgasket that is used today?