Off with its heads!

[rossw]

So now, after weeks spent getting teh gearbox in and out, I hear a funny noise on the way home. Checking I see where oil has been spraying out from the RHS head gasket join.

F#%k it! I might as well do both of them then... Head gaskets bought, and more work on the way. Hopefully it will behave now for a while.

[sign216]

Ross, while you're at it, use some Permatex Super 300 gasket sealer. Guzziology recommended this as the best for the smallblock head leaks.

It worked for my leak, although it was tough to find that brand of sealer.

Joe

http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_sealants/Permatex_Super_300_Form-A-Gasket_Sealant.htm

[rossw]

Put the new gasket in (only did the side that was leaking in the end - lazy me!). When I pulled out the old one, it became immediately apparent why it leaked (see below)


Now I'm not sure if this is the original factory gasket( the bike is 9 years old). The problem lies with the gasket itself. There is no wiggle room to shift it about. The lines of sealant are just misaligned so that the head cuts inside them. It was always eventually going to leak. (The new gasket does not have the problem. I checked)

So something to watch out for when purchasing head gaskets. Watch out for alignment of those sealant lines, especially if you can't find the right grade of Permatex.

[sign216]

Ross, it looks like a factory gasket. Some of the aftermarket ones don't have the lines of sealant.
Although, for you the lines weren't right anyway.

[bluerobotz]

Ross, pay plenty of attention to the torque settings on your heads. Torque down, leave overnight then re-torque. Re-torque after each ride out until it settles down and you're sure its giving you a steady reading. Don't ask how I know!

Regards

Dave

2003 B750
1981 Monza