Corrosion at head gasket - is it a thing ?

[Mjhb]

Fellow Tossers,

I’ve just looked at a ‘17 GSA Triple Black at a non-franchise dealer.

Low miles, good condition, acceptable price etc.

One thing he did point out was corrosion around the area of the gasket/join of the cylinder head to the crankcase (? I think ...). He said this is not unknown, and does not adversely affect the gasket. (Right hand side, if that makes a difference).

Is this a thing ? I’ve not heard of it before, but am by no means an expert.

What does the collective mind think ?

The front of the engine was unmarked, and the bike was otherwise immaculate.

Thanks in advance,

Matt


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[CPJS]

Yes it is a thing, some bikes do corrode early, nothing to do with how it was looked after. Pick one thats clean, there are loads out there.

 

[squibb34]

It's more likely about the aesthetics, but it will be why the bike is with a non-franchise.

Probably not a worry mechanically speaking, but it's difficult to judge without a pic.

 

[autogs]

why on earth would it be a problem mechanically? its just corrosion on the non painted joint,plenty out there without any corrosion so if it were me id keep looking.

 

[ChazzyB]

It's the shitty paint finish at a place where there's bare metal. The replacement engine in my GS was starting to show signs of bubbling on the head to block joints both sides less than a year after fitting. The original engine had been fine. Well, the paint had been...

 

[Curzon]

Yes. Mine did the same. 2017 GS. definately worse on the RHS but also evident on the LHS. I sanded mine down to bare metal on the head and barrel and gasket area and repainted with Hamerite Silver smooth. Not a perfect colur match, but i managed to blend it in reasonalby well and am happy with the result. Certainly better looking than the white specs. So far the corrosion hasn't returned, but time will tell, through the winter. If need be I will simply repeat

 

[sven]

Yes, at least 1/3 of the used bikes at my local BMW dealers have this issue, as did my 2014 GS LC.

The engine was replaced in 2016 due to paint issues and the replacement showed some very minor corrosion flecks within a few months (in summer 2016), but never got any worse before I sold it in 2019. My 1250 also has a few flecks on the l/h joint as well as the bevel casing on the shaft drive.

 

[Deleted account 260111001]

Be careful, you will be accused of not looking after the bike from a few on here, even though you don’t yet own it they will be trolling you soon

 

[Mjhb]

Thanks for the responses gang. Nice to know I wasn’t being spun a line !

One more thing to look out for ...

Trolling awaited ...


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[Mjhb]

This is the area I was struggling to describe. Different bike, but similar corrosion.


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[autogs]

that bike is a minger! if the one you are looking at is anything like that walk away and find another

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Yea fuck that and walk away. There are lots of bikes out there without corrosion so tell the to stick it

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Worse near the starter motor

 

[Mjhb]

Don’t worry, not the bike I was looking at !

I have walked away and will look for something cleaner ... I’m in no rush ...




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