Leaky Head 650E

[GS650E_81]

There seems to be a little oil seeping from the head gasket. I can't tell how much as the PO used some type of black sealant, but it may be leaking a little.

The gasket is clearly visible and looks okay. Not sure if the PO used the right amount of torque or not...

Is this a major deal? Or Can I try and torque the bolts more. I do not have a torque wrench though..

Thanks.

[Nessism]

Torquing the head is a part of normal maintenance, as detailed in the Suzuki service manual, but once a head gasket starts to leak it's too late. You can try tightening it, but your probability for success is going to be low.

[GS650E_81]

Torquing the head is a part of normal maintenance, as detailed in the Suzuki service manual, but once a head gasket starts to leak it's too late. You can try tightening it, but your probability for success is going to be low.

I will try and tighten it up. If I don't replace the gasket soon, will I just blow up?

[7981GS]

I will try and tighten it up. If I don't replace the gasket soon, will I just blow up?

I would first aquire a torque wrench to use to torque the bolts down.
As for will YOU blow up, stranger things have happened around her.

Eric

[hampshirehog]

Don't worry about your bike blowing up with just a leaky head gasket. You'll just get oil everywhere and need to top the engine up more frequently.

[GS650E_81]

Don't worry about your bike blowing up with just a leaky head gasket. You'll just get oil everywhere and need to top the engine up more frequently.

I have yet to see a drop on the garage floor except for when I change the oil. So it doesn't seem that bad yet just a messy head. I still love her

[Nessism]

Could it be a valve cover leak? What was the condition of the gasket when you last adjusted the valves?

[GS650E_81]

Could it be a valve cover leak? What was the condition of the gasket when you last adjusted the valves?

It may be the valve cover. Its on the very top of the engine. I have not adjusted the valves the po may have

[Nessism]

It may be the valve cover. Its on the very top of the engine. I have not adjusted the valves the po may have

Your path is clear then. Pull the valve cover and do the valves, then replace the valve cover with fresh. Please don't neglect critical maintenance like valve adjustments otherwise your engine will be damaged.

[GS650E_81]

Your path is clear then. Pull the valve cover and do the valves, then replace the valve cover with fresh. Please don't neglect critical maintenance like valve adjustments otherwise your engine will be damaged.

Good call.

[SVSooke]

Don't put off checking them,I will admit to being a little gun shy about doing a valve adjust on my 78 1000 as I have never done shim and bucket before.Send Steve http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/member.php?u=484 an email and get one of his handy spreadsheets.I was glad I did!I used this method http://members.dslextreme.com/users/...ol_zip_tie.pdf
to replace the needed shims.