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Oil leak

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Trotskie_10, Oct 13, 2016.

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  1. Trotskie_10

    Trotskie_10 Member

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    Hello all. Newb here.
    My friend has a 1982 XJ750 and seems to be in fairly good condition. Runs well but once it warmed up some oil started coming from what looks like the head gasket area.
    Questions-
    What are things to look for to confirm head gasket leak vs other leaks?
    Is it true most xj leak on right side of engine?
    The only person I could find to do a head gasket (worse case scenario) was $600 out the door.
    I really liked this motorcycle but his price is $700 and that turns it into a 1300$ cycle.

    Thank you for the support!!
     
  2. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    If I understand correctly your friend is willing to sell you this bike?
    does the bike start and run?

    Read this Information Overload.
    And know that you need to become your own XJ mechanic.

    Investing additional dollars into a 30+ year old bike after purchase is a reality for a safe and reliable bike.
     
  3. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Well-Known Member

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    One way to confirm lead spot is clean and dry the engine and then find old type of spray deodorant and with engine cold spray the area well and then start the engine and watch for the wet spot.
     
  4. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    yep, the right side of the head has some copper crush washers and a rubber gasket that looks like a little tube. those are the weak spots that you see right away. they can also leak in the center at the cam chain tunnel.
     
  5. Jetfixer

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

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    If bike is in good shape why are you dispaiging about 1300$ ? To recommision a vintage bike fit new tires, brakes and lines, battery, carb rebuild, and any thing else you choose to do your still well under 2000$ or less if you don' t need all items I listed. If you look around realize there might be a bike for more or less $$$$ but avantage of Seca 750 are shaft drive , plentuful parts (xj4ever ) easy for diy , great performance , at least on my 750 a truly smooth and comfortable ride,I' ve owned several other bikes I rate this bike as one of my favorites. I was going to flip it, but I'm sold on it going to keep it .
     
    Stumplifter likes this.
  6. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Well, they YICS engines often leak on the right.... BUT tat is because of the leaky corners of the integral half-moon on the valve cover gasket. The metal edges often have a sharp burr tat will cut through the gasket over time.

    Normally, a new gasket, new donuts, and a light dressing of the edge to get rid of the burr will solve the leak. It doesn't hit to put a small dab of rtv at each of the four corners, either. NOT heavy, just a 'dab' ll do ya"
     
    rocs82650 likes this.
  7. Quixote

    Quixote Active Member

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    +1 on what hogfiddles said, and toomanybikes as well.
    Don't know how mechanically inclined you are, but the main point that I think both of them are trying to make is that the leak is more likely to be the valve cover gasket rather than the head gasket. Which is good, because the valve cover gasket is much easier and cheaper to replace than the head gasket. It often deteriorates with age and from being opened up when you do a valve adjustment. The head gasket tends to last a long time, many high mileage bikes have never had the head gasket replaced and don't need it.
     
  8. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    ^ what they said. Offer your friend $500 cash (settle at $600) then check your valves clearances. Pull that cover get new half-moons, gasket and do as hogfiddles said . . . . Bahda boom! You just did your first maintenance job on your bike and are ready to rebuild petcock, brakes, carbs, etc.

    The items seem complicated but there are great tutorials and teachers (literally) here that can walk you through anything.
     
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  9. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    ..... And while the valve cover is off, do your shim clearance check/adjustments while you're right there---- 99% sure it's never been done, so you're already way overdue.
     
    TheCrazyGnat, Jetfixer and k-moe like this.
  10. Trotskie_10

    Trotskie_10 Member

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    Sorry I didn't get any notifications for replies so thank you all very much! I'm not sure if you are going to be able to see this but on the right hand side of where that square parts comes out where it makes a 90 degree is where it SEEMS to be leaking. We washed it all down and bubbled there.

    I rode it about 5 miles down highway and leaked a little.
     

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  11. Trotskie_10

    Trotskie_10 Member

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    Bike runs and starts new tires with no weather check. Stickers on tires before I took it down highway. New clutch cable but needs adjusted a little . And has new battery. I'm looking for a starter bike and plan to move up to a v star within a year or two. So I am not wanting to spend to much money. It's not a bad price but not excited about putting in a head gasket with zero experience in ohv
     
  12. Trotskie_10

    Trotskie_10 Member

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    I'm guessing the "square part" I'm referring to is the chain guide?? Thanks
     
  13. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    You're obviously running lean or hot on the first cyl, too......so definitely need a valve clearance check
     
  14. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    A starter bike eh?
    Bet you fall in love and never get rid of her - you can still get your v-star in a couple years but I bet you won't part with the XJ.
     
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  15. Trotskie_10

    Trotskie_10 Member

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    Hey everyone i took the leap, or plunge and bought the 1982 xj750 officially today. Now the work begins. Thank you everyone for your input and replies. We did stettle at $ 600
     
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  16. Trotskie_10

    Trotskie_10 Member

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    Is there a thread for what to do when you first get a motorcycle. I'm guessing valve adjustment is a first thing.
     
  17. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Your bike is over 30 years old. Do all of the things.
    The Information Overload Hour
     
  18. Quixote

    Quixote Active Member

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    You might be right about it being the head gasket. It can be hard to tell. Have you done a compression check yet?
     
  19. Trotskie_10

    Trotskie_10 Member

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    I haven't yet, I just bought the bike from my friend but dont have a trailer available till monday, I was working on adjusting the clutch a little bit today but didn't get very far. It rides fine, but I saw the rear brake notice on this site and figured I better be safe than sorry.
     
  20. Trotskie_10

    Trotskie_10 Member

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    Another probably stupid question, Can i clean around the headgasket with brake clean, or should I use some type of degreaser? I know that RTV can be broken down by brake clean, and dont want to spray that directly in the area of the headgasket, and create a bigger problem.
     
  21. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    good call on the rear brake.
    I used diluted Simple Green and a scrub brush/ tooth brush for cleaning my engine.
    Gentle rinse after scrub, scrub, scrubbin'.
     
  22. Trotskie_10

    Trotskie_10 Member

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    Thanks stumplifter! Sounds good ill get it cleaned up and put some powder on and hope for the best. Really save some dimes if I didn't have to take the head off. Looks like I'll be doing the battery sensor eliminator and a little tach work as well. Ahhh fun
     

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