Head gasket or something else?

[turbine_2]

Okay, I appear to have a small oil leak. If I look at the front of the bike on the right the head appears to have oil on the head where the spark plug is but there is also a rather burned on patch on the top of the 1st and 2nd cooling fins where they meet the black of the engine. Looking underneath there appears to be a few drops of oil on the oil level spyball and the wires under the head there.

Would I be correct in assuming that this is the head gasket and that it's now leaking? If so, how big a job is it to fix (i.e. how much should I look to throw Steptoe's way)?

If it helps I'll upload a picture.

Many thanks,

David

 

[Tarka]

Saying what bike would help too,as on the GS the oil level sightglass is on the LEFT,whereas you`re talking about the right....

Post a piccy or two.

 

[Telford]

I'd first check the rocker cover gasket and the rubber that seals the spark plug tunnel.

Simple job to take the cover off - just a little oil will escape in the process.

 

[Telford]

Saying what bike would help too,as on the GS the oil level sightglass is on the LEFT,whereas you`re talking about the right....

Post a piccy or two.

If I look at the front of the bike on the right the head...

I think his right is right!

 

[turbine_2]

Bike is a 2003 R1150GS. Oil sight glass and filler are on the right if you're looking at the front of the bike from being in front of it.

I'll try to grab a camera from someone here.

Rocker cover gasket would sound about right for the oil on the cover, but not for the join between the engine and the cooling fins.

 

[Tarka]

Oil sight glass and filler are on the right if you're looking at the front of the bike from being in front of it.

Quite,but the bike is 'handed' from the perspective of the rider being sat on the machine...while facing forward.

 

[Telford]

Quite,but the bike is 'handed' from the perspective of the rider being sat on the machine...while facing forward.

Only by convention.

As all measurements and perspectives are relative and the origin of the observation was defined there can be no argument that Turbine is right.

 

[turbine_2]

Okay, a couple of pictures (assuming I can work out how to do this)

 

[Tarka]

From your pics,it`s looking more like a base gasket than a head gasket........



And as for the fookwit comment referring to my 'handed' statement,use the other ( incorrect ) point of view and order a 'right hand rocker cover',then try and find the oil filler hole.......

 

[cookie]

And as for the fookwit comment referring to my 'handed' statement,use the other ( incorrect ) point of view and order a 'right hand rocker cover',then try and find the oil filler hole.......

 

[Barrie]

Turbine2,
that bike is in a filthy state when did you clean it last?
I am sure if was clean it would be easier to see where the leak is coming from?
Looks like it has been leaking for ages.
~Barrie

 

[Steptoe]

check the cam chain tensioner bolt/cap, and see if the oil is coming from there .

it's on top, at the rear of your left ( what you refer to as your right) hand cylinder .

 

[Noddy]

If its any help David, this is what a leaky head gasket looks like.

 

[turbine_2]

It's filthy, I'll grant you that, but I can't see where it's coming from properly because the front swing arm is in the way.
Looks like it's the base gasket or the can chain tensioner bolt / cap for the one near the engine and I've noticed last night that the oil on the head appears to be comnig from the top rear bolt of the cylinder head.
Looks like I've got more than the Landrover to do this weekend.

 

[Steptoe]

I've noticed last night that the oil on the head appears to be comnig from the top rear bolt of the cylinder head.
.

That'll be the cam tensioner housing bolt - just tighten it .
No more , no less .