new head gasket on GS550 results in oil dripping from front 10mm screw

[GregT]

You changed the sleeves ??. If you mean the cylinder liners, are the replacements flush and all flat on the gasket face.

And again - you changed the sleeves ?

If this has been done it's imperative to have the top surface of the block skimmed flat.
Even if you think it is already flat.

[DimitriT]

It may well have been an older type:



I have a newer style head gasket from a kit. It's one of those with a composite core sandwiched between steel. Do you know if those are any good?

I will check the valve cover.

[2BRacing]

Well, after all that work it really is a disappointment to find it dripping from the front there.

I used an OEM head gasket and a new square o-ring around the timing chain well. I didn't apply sealant to the head gasket (never had to in the past)....

Sorry to read about this - a real frustration after all your hard work.

Two things come to mind here - did you use the latest version OEM multi-layer steel head gasket, or an earlier original version? I have not experienced it myself, but have seen on here that with the latest multi-layer steel head gaskets, that square O-ring around the timing chain tunnel is not required.

Secondly, what I have experienced is that an oil leak at the top rear of the valve cover gasket will cause oil to run down and into the open passages in the head, coming out at the front of the head above the area of that 10 mm bolt. So check if you can pinpoint the exact source of the leak - clean all the oil off, and spray with foot powder or similar, then start the engine and observe where the powder gets wet first.

Good luck!

[uk gs nut]

You changed the sleeves ??. If you mean the cylinder liners, are the replacements flush and all flat on the gasket face.

[Brendan W]

Have a go at retorque. I got more than half a turn on mine after 500 miles.
That 10mm screw? Is it doing anything?
The threads on mine were effectively stripped and there is a longer screw in there now with a nut on.

[DimitriT]

That’s a drag......did you by chance check the head for flatness ?
and what year 550?

Nope. The same head and block were fine (no leaks) before I stripped it down.

I stripped it to replace the cylinder sleeves due to low compression. Now the compression is very good but I have the leak.

It's a 1982.

In the past I would apply some sealer around the rectangular o-ring and let it cure before dropping the head onto it. I think the problem is that this o-ring will squeeze out of place when compressed unless it has some sealer to hold it in place.

This time I only used sealer in a couple of spots. I was in a hurry.

[tom203]

That’s a drag......did you by chance check the head for flatness ?
and what year 550?

[DimitriT]

Well, after all that work it really is a disappointment to find it dripping from the front there.

I used an OEM head gasket and a new square o-ring around the timing chain well. I didn't apply sealant to the head gasket (never had to in the past).

I got it up to temp and will re-torque but it probably won't make a difference.

It only drips about once every 5 minutes and then only when its running. But can't have that as it will make a mess.

Darn thing runs beautiful but for that.

Any advice?