1978 gs1000e oil leak

[Scudder]

My son resently bought a 78 gs1000e. Great bike, and in great condition, except for the basic 30+ year old issues. I've checked the search option and have read of similar issues, but just need some verification from you guys.

I own a gs750 and have worked extensively on it, but I'm far from an expert. My sons 1000 is leaking oil from the left side of the cam over. It leaks very little (nothing noticable) when driving around town, but when he takes it to the highway, oil actually gets on his left lower leg.

I think my issue is this. The guy who replaced the cam cover gasket last time used some kind of black gasket sealer, because I can see it kind of bubbled out sightly all the way around the cam cover. I have replaced the cam cover gasket on my 750 and didn't use sealer and I have not leaks.

Could the excess sealer cause the leak? My son said that the bike seemed to lose power when if got up to speed, the last time he had it on the expressway. Can this loss of power be attributed to the oil leak, or is that another "can of worms".

scudder

[Big T]

You seem to have forgotten the 10 common issues

The 1000 needs a valve adjustment. Order up a valve cover gasket and 4 half moons. Undo the PO s mistakes up there and properly install the gasket and half moons.

The oil leak should now be gone, along with all the goo

Oil leak is in no way related to power loss. Mine feels like they lose power at about 115 mph.

The crappy work visible should be a hint that there's more issues to come.

Check out the other 9 common items and go from there

[Scudder]

Thanks. I haven't forgotten, just wanted to start with the crappiest one. I'm balancing a son who wants to ride a lot, and working through the various problems. Nothing major, but you know... carbs, electricial, etc.

I appreciate your help, and it is nice to have your reassurance on the oil leaks. I won't even tell you how jacked up the electrical was. :^)

scudder

[Nessism]

I agree with Big T, please perform some basic maintenance. Adjust the valves, and tend to the gasket and half moon seals as needed. There is no need for gasket goop if the gasket is in decent shape, but some sealer on the curved portion of the half moons is recommended. Do maintenance first, and fix any remaining problems second (if there are any).