I Think I Just Killed it For Good...

[Rlind177]

So I went to the auto wrecker today, found a 2000 dodge neon to steal a coil from. I install it on my GL1100, and it runs just fine, no better or worse. Im messing around with it in neutral, trying to see if I can find any place where it seems happy. I find it idles around 3000 RPMs with no backfiring. I decided to take it for a ride, to see if it make any difference. It has NO power below 3000 RPMs. It will pull from about 3000 - 4500, but it seems to want to stop at 4500. So I was in second gear, seeing if it would slowly build above 4500 RPMs or if that is a "hard limit" for this engine. I hear a loud bang, and it dies, milky oil pouring all over the place. I was trying to find where its coming from, but not positive. I pus it home. I wanted to see how low on coolant is was, so I start pouring the remaining distilled water I have in the radiator cap, and I start to hear it falling on the ground as fast as I'm pouring. I look right behind the thermostat, and there is a HUGE chunk of metal missing. I'm not sure where to go form here. Not sure if its worth salvaging, or should I just cut my losses and look for a different bike?

Its hard to get a good picture of it, but If it failed here, I can't imagine what other damage has been done.

[desertrefugee]

Sounds bad. Picture doesn't show up - and I'm not sure I want to see it. Sorry for your trouble. If it's any consolation, replacement motors are cheap and plentiful. Actually, so are other GLs...

[Track T 2411]

No pic for me, either. Is the 'chunk' missing from the block, or the water pipe behind the thermostat? I'd do a little more digging before throwing in the towel, but as suggested, it might be time to shop...

[Rlind177]

No pic for me, either. Is the 'chunk' missing from the block, or the water pipe behind the thermostat? I'd do a little more digging before throwing in the towel, but as suggested, it might be time to shop...

Not from the block, it’s from the water pipe behind the thermostat. Looks like I can get one on eBay. But im just afraid of what would cause this? What can of worms am I about to open. I have under $1000 into the bike, I imagine I can sell it as a parts bike for a minimal loss.

[Track T 2411]

I'm thinking you've got a blown head gasket that's building up excessive pressure in the cooling system, as well as allowing oil to mix with the antifreeze. Oil can also enter the cooling system through the water pump, especially if the weep hole on the bottom of the transmission cover is plugged (the weep hole acts kind of like an early warning sign for water pump problems). Excessive pressure could also build up if the thermostat isn't opening properly.

[Track T 2411]

BTW, I can see the pic now...

[Rlind177]

I'm thinking you've got a blown head gasket that's building up excessive pressure in the cooling system, as well as allowing oil to mix with the antifreeze. Oil can also enter the cooling system through the water pump, especially if the weep hole on the bottom of the transmission cover is plugged (the weep hole acts kind of like an early warning sign for water pump problems). Excessive pressure could also build up if the thermostat isn't opening properly.

Yeah, pretty confident at least one of the head gaskets is blown. I checked the water pump. It’s been replaced, and he thermostat was missing. So I think cooling was an issue for one of the POs. I installed a new thermostat (spring towards the engine). It had low compression in one of the cylinders, so that may be another indication but if it’s an entire overhaul of the heads, probably not worth it. Head gaskets seem like they shouldn’t be too big of a job though.

[Track T 2411]

Head gaskets are fairly easy. Most people recommend OEM gaskets, as some aftermarket brands have proven to be unreliable.

[ericheath]

Bummer! You should add your location to your profile so anyone nearby could offer assistance. I have an 83 1100 with a bad stator that’s doing me no good. I’ve had pretty good luck buying used 1200’s for less than $200. It’s a roll of the dice.

[Rlind177]

Head gaskets are fairly easy. Most people recommend OEM gaskets, as some aftermarket brands have proven to be unreliable.

Has anyone seen a list of things I might as well replace if I’m taking the heads off?

[robin1731]

Head gaskets, water pipe O-rings, oil restrictor plug O-rings, exhaust gaskets. Maybe cam seals while your in there.

Refurbish the heads too. Lap the valves and install new valve guide seals.

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[Rlind177]

Got the heads pulled off today. The oil definitely has coolant in it, but the coolant drained clean. That seems interesting to me. The idea that the oil pressurized the cooling system, and cause it to blow made sense to me. But that would mean oil in the coolant, right? The heads have a TON of carbon built up on them. Going to clean that off, and see if I can find a machine shop to resurface the heads for me. I can do it myself if I must, but I’d rather pay someone to do it the correct way. I haven’t got that piece that exploded off, carb has to come off for that. Hopefully I’ll get to it tomorrow, and post a pic here.

[robin1731]

If they go to the shop may as well have them do a valve job. But tell do not grind the valves. Just cut the seats. Then they can check the valve stems and valve guides for wear. They should be able to bead blast the heads and clean them up too. I rebuild these heads all the time. It's not hard.

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[Rlind177]

So far, I have only pulled the head off the 2/4 cylinders. Cylinder 2 had the low pressure, so Im hoping that only the left side has a blown gasket. Im not positive, what a blown head gasket looks like, but this gasket appears to be in decent shape. It's possible that its not the original. Tons of carbon build up in the head and the cylinder. Found a shop that will do a valve job for $125, two week turn around time. In the mean time I may send the carbs in to be rebuilt as well. What are you favorite ways to remove carbon from the cylinder? I've got some 0000 steel wool, is that too much for removing the gasket material from the block? or too harsh to use inside the cylinder?

[scootsx2]

What's up with what looks like blue RTV on the right side of the first photo?

Any hairline cracks in the cylinders or heads?