Topic: Mechanic in Seattle to fix oil leaks

[neudl]

So my CB550 has developed a nasty oil leak at the head gasket.  I’m the first to admit that my mechanical skills are pretty suspect, and that I tend to make things worse when I start pulling things apart.  I took it into South End Cycle Repair here in Seattle, and the man told me that a) he would never ride a bike with an oil leak that bad, and b) it would be a minimum of $1000 to $2000 to fix the oil leaks, depending on what he found when he got in there.  Here is the question – - I love my bike, but don’t relish the thought of spending $1500 – does this cost sound reasonable? and also – anybody know of a less expensive mechanic in Seattle that will work on old bikes?

[Gordon]

You are the best and cheapest mechanic for your bike.  We all started at the same point that you're at, mechanically speaking.  With a good manual and the help of this forum, you can do just about any work your bike will require. 

[nickjtc]

If it is the infamous Honda sohc4 'dried-out-oil-gallery-O ring-situation' then it should not be beyond your capability, if you are prepared to give it a go. What better a way to get up close and personal to your trusty steed than to have at it with the wrenches and a good selection of expletives!!

[neudl]

Ok - you're talking me into it, although I hope I don't come to regret it.  I have Clymers. 

[nickjtc]

Follow the manual. Ask the forum if you get stuck. Replace gaskets and O rings as necessary (maybe anyway) with OEM. Original Honda stuff costs more, but if the bike has made it through 30 years with originals then you should get the same success.

Ooops, I've opened a can of worms there: OEM v aftermarket. I'll go and get a beverage and some chips/salsa and settle myself in for the inevitable discussion.

[neudl]

One last question - the engine on my bike is from a '74 CB500 - any idea where to get a complete engine gasket set?

[cafe750]

It's not that daunting of a task, just like everyone said, follow the manual, and lay things out in the order you took them off. For gaskets, check out the Honda shop...try University Honda...If you're interested, you can give me a call, and we can talk about your little issue...I'm located near Tacoma. And $1500 is a little extreme, considering everything can be done in-frame. Check your PM's for my phone number...

[ofreen]

I suggest retorquing the head and seeing if that does the job before you do a teardown.  Years ago, my 750 was doing the same thing, weeping at both the head and base gaskets.  The retorque took care of the problem to this day.

[bryanj]

Retorque aint worth the effort if its never been apart.

You will need an impact screwdriver; a 3/8 drive six sided socket set; Torque wrench that works at 15-20 ft lbs. THE MANUAL

Only difference between 500 and 550 gasket set is the clutch cover gasket.

make sure all the gasket surfaces are "mirror finish" clean

There should be a warning in the manual about holding up the rocker arms on re-assembly HEED IT CAREFULLY its the only bit where yoou can do damage!!

[neudl]

Any suggestions on a complete engine gasket set.  I see the Athena sets at Old Bike Barn, but see posts where people say that they would never use Athena sets.

[silentone]

Any suggestions on a complete engine gasket set.  I see the Athena sets at Old Bike Barn, but see posts where people say that they would never use Athena sets.

Before you decide to buy anything from Old Bike Barn, read this first... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=7235.0

[seaweb11]

I'm surprised no one came up with the quick fix.

a tiny rolled up ball of cloth in the fins

[neudl]

What about the gasket set?  Any suggestions?

[Gregorymoto]

Hay take it to British Bob.
2g is a bit much. If Bob will not fix it give me a call, i know allot of Jap Mechanics in Seattle. I had a little shop there for years.
Gregory N. Mountain
415 374 5405

[Gregorymoto]

Hi befor you get into finding a gasket set find the oil leak first.

I say get a OEM Gasket. They work fine. Somewhere out there someone sells each gasket separate. I cant remember who does that but  I'll look if i find time today.
Some of the gasket sets out there Suck do a search on this sight I'm sure you can find the info you need.

[ofreen]

Retorque aint worth the effort if its never been apart.

My experience has been exactly the opposite, and not just on the 750.  It is worth a try, especially if on the 550 the engine doesn't have to come out of the frame.

[cafe750]

Retorque aint worth the effort if its never been apart.

My experience has been exactly the opposite, and not just on the 750.  It is worth a try, especially if on the 550 the engine doesn't have to come out of the frame.

I've had a 50/50 experience with retorqing, but you're right, it is worth a shot...