Author Topic: Question about head gasket fix  (Read 1911 times)

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Offline jkot55

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Question about head gasket fix
« on: November 16, 2008, 07:17:22 PM »
Can the head gasket on the CB750K be replaced without pulling the engine from the frame?  Can I just remove the tank and go from there?  I have a little oil seepage on both sides in the area of the head gasket.  Assume a new one is needed.  Hopefully no warpage.

Thoughts? 
When I ride my CB750 I'm a teenager again

Offline bwaller

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Re: Question about head gasket fix
« Reply #1 on: November 16, 2008, 07:49:35 PM »
Sorry but you don't get off that easy. The engine has to be out of the frame to pull the top-end....unless you have one of Ilbikes handy frames kits.

Offline Short Round

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Re: Question about head gasket fix
« Reply #2 on: November 16, 2008, 10:22:12 PM »
Bwaller is right.  The entire engine has to be out of the frame.  There isnt enough room to pull the head when still installed.
1974 CB550

Offline mark

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Re: Question about head gasket fix
« Reply #3 on: November 16, 2008, 11:01:42 PM »
....  Can I just remove the tank and go from there?  ....

That sounds like a good place to start...

 ;)

Thoughts? 

(1)I'd pull the cylinder and change the base gasket too.

(2)I'd be tempted to have a machine shop clean up the surface of head and the top of the cylinder barrel.

(3)I like bunghole's engine hanger thing....





Happy trails.


1976 CB550K, 1973 CB350G, 1964 C100

F you mark...... F you.

Offline Short Round

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Re: Question about head gasket fix
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2008, 05:48:44 AM »
     If I was in your position I would go ahead and do a rebuild on the entire top end since you have to take it apart anyway depending on how long it was since it was done last or at all.  This is to prevent having to tear down the top end again in the event that something else goes amuck soon after your gasket replacement.  Think of it as preventative maintenance, might as well do it while its apart because it always better than taking the motor apart again, espicually for something small.

Things I would do if I were you:

1. Top End Gasket Kit with all gaskets and oil seals, including valve seals.
2. Hone Cylinders.
3. Replace Piston Rings (5 piece not 3)
4. Clean Intake and Exhaust ports of Carbon Build Up (I use Talstrip)
5. Check lobes on cam to make sure they are within limits.
6. Replace Timing Chain
7. Check Timing Chain Guide for excessive wear.
8. Check Valve Seats
9. Clean and Inspect Valves  (Replace if Bad, Usually are good unless something went seriously wrong)
10. Relap Valves
11. Inspect Cam Journals
12. And I would also go ahead and take your oil pan off while motor was out, clean it well, check the primary for wear, and replace the oil pan O-ring (trust me its woth replacing this $4-$6 O-ring while out, rather than getting motor back in with old Oring reinstalled and realizing it is leaking and having to take motor from frame again.
13. Also a great time to really clean the grit and grime from the motor and repaint it if you prefer. 
14.  Another suggestion would be to replace all crappy Phillips head Screws with a Hex Bolt Kit.  There are some really good kits out there for cheap, and will save you many headaches dealing with those phillips screws.

Hope this helped and wasnt overwhelming, again these are suggestions and you do what you want, also I might have missed something so guys help me out if I did its early and I haven't posted in a while.
1974 CB550

Offline jkot55

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Re: Question about head gasket fix
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2008, 09:25:51 AM »
O.K.  I am sure that you are all right.    :-\    There are no short cuts to doing the job the right way.  Given a little seepage, am I doing any harm at this point by postponing and riding as is for, say, another 2000 miles or so?

Thanks for the responses.

JK
When I ride my CB750 I'm a teenager again

Offline gregimotis

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Re: Question about head gasket fix
« Reply #6 on: November 17, 2008, 09:38:32 AM »
Given a little seepage, am I doing any harm at this point by postponing and riding as is for, say, another 2000 miles or so?

Thanks for the responses.

JK


As long as you keep up on the oil level, no damage.
"To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women."

Offline medic09

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Re: Question about head gasket fix
« Reply #7 on: November 17, 2008, 11:10:12 AM »
Given a little seepage, am I doing any harm at this point by postponing and riding as is for, say, another 2000 miles or so?

Thanks for the responses.

JK


As long as you keep up on the oil level, no damage.

+1

I've had a little seepage for the last 10,000 miles or so.  Bike runs fine, as far as I can tell.  Check and change your oil and filter frequently.  Your bike with thank you.
Mordechai

'78 CB750K
'76 Triumph T160 Trident (rebuilding)
'07 aprilia Caponord

Santa Fe, NM