Crack in cylinder head 83 GS 1100 E

[Guest]

I'm just about to take the cylinder head off the bike due to a crack in the housing caused by an exhaust stud being driven in to far and oil has been leaking ever since. The bike runs great and the only problem is this leak.
I have a couple of questions and looking for advice.

Is it worth it to send the head to a machine shop that specializes in aluminum motors and have it x-rayed, welded, and hopefully repaired, or get new/used head?

Is there anybody on this site that would know where I can find a replacement head?

Is there anything I should be aware of when doing this repair, I have a manual and an awesome set of tools!?

I'm going to look on eBay and try local bike salvage but I prefer to deal with someone from this site as I have more trust here when it comes to the GS's.

[Fancool]

What is anyone's thoughts if I remove stud and use some JB weld on the stud and then reinstall?
I'm wondering if that will make it more difficult to remove if the leak still persist?

[sharpy]

You sure its from the stud and not from the head nuts o-ring that leaks. is it the #4 stud from the left thats "leaking"?

[Fancool]

#3 exhaust port upper bolt/stud.
But I'll recheck.

[azr]

Sounds like a new head is in order. Put a wanted ad up.

[rapidray]

It's easy to fix if you have the head off. No need to replace the head. PM me your # & I will call you.
Ray.

[JTGS850GL]

JB weld will not work. The exhaust port temps are too high in that area for the JB. I'm betting that welding up the hole and re taping it is the cure.

[Fancool]

Hi rapidray, I sent you a PM and thanks for your help.

[Fancool]

So I believe I will be removing head to get it welded. I don't trust the easy way and the bike is to good to do band aid repairs on it.

Ok now the next question.

Gaskets? should I replace with top end kit or just get the two main large gaskets?

Dose anyone know where I can get reasonably priced kit?

Again no leaks anywhere except where the stud cracked the block.

[TxGSrider]

So I believe I will be removing head to get it welded. I don't trust the easy way and the bike is to good to do band aid repairs on it.

Ok now the next question.

Gaskets? should I replace with top end kit or just get the two main large gaskets?

Dose anyone know where I can get reasonably priced kit?

Again no leaks anywhere except where the stud cracked the block.

If Ray gets a hold of it, it'll probably come back making another 20hp! :-)

[Fancool]

DSC_7857.jpg
Already have the Mikuni flat side carbs, V+H super sport pipe, Drag clutch and more.
Not my doing but certainly makes for an exciting ride!!

[azr]

Make sure you update this thread on how it's fixed, it'll help others in the future. Nice looking bike!

[Fancool]

Yes I will. I took apart most of the top end today and hopefully will have the head off tomorrow. So far the motor is coming apart very well.

[Fancool]

Clinder head removal.

031.jpg
The cylinder head is off.
ordered new gasket kit , need to get this head checked and repaired .

[Fancool]

032.jpg

A lot lighter now.