Topic: 1972 CB750 head gasket replace - in or out?

[callbr549]

Looks like I have a head gasket leak or a leak around one of the oil seals in that area. I would like to replace them so I can ride to work without oil spots all over the legs of my khakis. I'm just starting to think about planning for this project, which would be far and away the most extensive engine work I've ever done. I've looked over some procedures, posts here, etc., but am still not clear on one thing -- can I take the cylinder head off and replace gaskets and seals with the engine in the bike, or do I have to take the whole thing out?

Rob

[scunny]

motor out I'm afraid. Hednut was selling frame kits to allow headwork on the bike, http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=64333.0

[MCRider]

Yup gotta take the engine out. Its cathartic. In my hayday, working in a shop environment, we could get an engine out in 45 minutes, replace the head gasket in 2-3 hours depending on how much cleanup and misc the customer wanted, and back in and running in about 1.25 hours. Those days are long gone.

I remember 3 of us swapping an engine completely in the pits at a drag race in less than 45 minutes. Of course there were a lot of street legal parts missing.

If its your first one, and you are really committed, I'd say out in 3 hours, headgasket in 3 to 5 hours, and back in and running in 3 hours. Assuming you've got all your parts in order, tools etc and nothing major goes wrong. Strip an exhaust flange bolt, or a cam tower bolt, etc.

Strict attention to detail should fix your leak.(s)

If you want to guarantee a no-leak motor, you'll need to take the cylinders off and replace the cylinder studs with heavy duty ones. Add 5 hours assuming you don't break one of the old studs getting it out. About a 50/50 chance.