GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
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GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Hi,
I have some kind of worrying symptoms with my GL.
First, I noticed that sometimes, after a short stay for buying stuff or fill gazoline, when I start back the engine, it smokes a real white/brown smoke from the right exhaust. The smoke goes after a few seconds.
Second, on my last run, the water temp indicator went flirting with the red zone when stopping a few times in the traffic. It went back a bit when riding again but never took its place back to the center of the gauge. After that run, the coolant level was very low, close to the min mark on the expansion tank.
Third, I clearly hear bubbles in the cooling circuit when I stop the engine these days.
I also checked the spark plugs, it all seems normal, black but not so much and no white-steamed by coolant.
Oil level hasn't increase, so I guess no water passes from coolant to oil circuit...
Coolant is green and the expansion tank is dirty, oily and so is the radiator cap. I think the coolant isn't silicate free, so seals from the water pump must have suffered a bit or more.
From all that I read in many posts here, I shall start make my mind and plan to change at least the right head gasket.
What would you suggest ?
Thank you in advance for any advice !
Tom
I have some kind of worrying symptoms with my GL.
First, I noticed that sometimes, after a short stay for buying stuff or fill gazoline, when I start back the engine, it smokes a real white/brown smoke from the right exhaust. The smoke goes after a few seconds.
Second, on my last run, the water temp indicator went flirting with the red zone when stopping a few times in the traffic. It went back a bit when riding again but never took its place back to the center of the gauge. After that run, the coolant level was very low, close to the min mark on the expansion tank.
Third, I clearly hear bubbles in the cooling circuit when I stop the engine these days.
I also checked the spark plugs, it all seems normal, black but not so much and no white-steamed by coolant.
Oil level hasn't increase, so I guess no water passes from coolant to oil circuit...
Coolant is green and the expansion tank is dirty, oily and so is the radiator cap. I think the coolant isn't silicate free, so seals from the water pump must have suffered a bit or more.
From all that I read in many posts here, I shall start make my mind and plan to change at least the right head gasket.
What would you suggest ?
Thank you in advance for any advice !
Tom
GL1000 1976 - smooth and unstoppable, be aware ur safety distance
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
- Lucien Harpress
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Try one more test- as the bike is running, check the coolant overflow tank. If it looks like a fish tank bubbler, you've most likely got some kind of leak between the combustion chamber and the coolant passages.
If this is the case, and combined with the above info, I wouldn't be surprised if your head gasket was on the way out. Your choices are either try to preemptively fix a problem that MIGHT be happening (and avoid getting stranded later), or wait until it blows for sure and you KNOW what's wrong with it.
Either way, if you do change it, it's a good idea to do both. I also swear by OEM (because I had a bad experience with an aftermarket set), but others might tell you different. Either way, good luck!
If this is the case, and combined with the above info, I wouldn't be surprised if your head gasket was on the way out. Your choices are either try to preemptively fix a problem that MIGHT be happening (and avoid getting stranded later), or wait until it blows for sure and you KNOW what's wrong with it.
Either way, if you do change it, it's a good idea to do both. I also swear by OEM (because I had a bad experience with an aftermarket set), but others might tell you different. Either way, good luck!
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete
All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete
All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
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- pidjones
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Not a huge task. Belts can accompany. Just be careful to not snap off one of the water tube screws. Clean the water tubes well and using new o-rings lube them well with silicone grease.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Could be low on coolant and get the similar effect, but if there are bubbles in the overflow tank then a head gasket leak is the reason for the low coolant.
Proud member of the NGW Cartel (Rochester MI)
1977 GL1000 BADDOG (April 2012 BOTM)
1976 LTD - '993 LTD...and so it begins'
You should remember that it's peace of mind you're after and not just fixing the machine. R.Pirsig
1977 GL1000 BADDOG (April 2012 BOTM)
1976 LTD - '993 LTD...and so it begins'
You should remember that it's peace of mind you're after and not just fixing the machine. R.Pirsig
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Condition of the spark plug(s) can be a clue … if they look 'steam cleaned' … it could be a head gasket …
Gord (they hate sitting for a long time)Jones
Gord (they hate sitting for a long time)Jones
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
They all smoke to some degree on start up, just something they do, but if your oil looks like a chocolate milkshake you have a bad head gasket or if you have a lot of bubbling in the coolant you probably havea bad head gasket. By the way, I prefer to take the radiator cap off (when cold) and then start the engine and look for bubbles, but depending on the amount you get in the overflow tank that could also be a clear indicator.
I also prefer oe head gaskets but will add that I find better results by retorqueing the headbolts after one or two heat cycles. Also lube the head bolts when you install them, motor oil is fine & follow the torque sequence in the service manual.
I also prefer oe head gaskets but will add that I find better results by retorqueing the headbolts after one or two heat cycles. Also lube the head bolts when you install them, motor oil is fine & follow the torque sequence in the service manual.
Red 1976 oe owner
1976 LTD restored
1980 CBX , in the que, to fix the ignorant heavy handed owner
1981 CBX
1977 CB750 K7
2014 FJR OE owner, sold
1980 GL1100
1984 GL1200 naked
1969 CL350, in the que
1976 LTD restored
1980 CBX , in the que, to fix the ignorant heavy handed owner
1981 CBX
1977 CB750 K7
2014 FJR OE owner, sold
1980 GL1100
1984 GL1200 naked
1969 CL350, in the que
- gltriker
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Scroll down to the bottom of this page to SIMILAR TOPICS for even more conversations about cylinder head gasket troubleshooting .
Literally everything else one needs to know about accomplishing a complete repair will be found in that collection, too.
Let's not forget to utilize the extensive ShopTalk information library. page/ST
A complete listing of, Head Gasket Job, Part Numbers, is found on this page:
viewtopic.php?p=59355#p59355
Literally everything else one needs to know about accomplishing a complete repair will be found in that collection, too.
Let's not forget to utilize the extensive ShopTalk information library. page/ST
A complete listing of, Head Gasket Job, Part Numbers, is found on this page:
viewtopic.php?p=59355#p59355
Cliff (74yrs )
Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
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RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT Me Too!!
Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome
previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^
RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT Me Too!!
Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome
previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Hi,
Thank you all for these trails and advice.
I then have to check and verify a few more things, hope tomorrow, and will get back to you.
Thomas
Thank you all for these trails and advice.
I then have to check and verify a few more things, hope tomorrow, and will get back to you.
Thomas
GL1000 1976 - smooth and unstoppable, be aware ur safety distance
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Having gone through a similar situation on a diff bike, two other things to test are:
- get a fluid chem test to see if exhaust gases are in the coolant. $20-$30 at harbor freight. You have to buy the test fluid separately.
- try a new radiator cap. A bad seal may explain bubbles in the expansion tank. but it wouldn't explain oily coolant in the expansion.
- get a fluid chem test to see if exhaust gases are in the coolant. $20-$30 at harbor freight. You have to buy the test fluid separately.
- try a new radiator cap. A bad seal may explain bubbles in the expansion tank. but it wouldn't explain oily coolant in the expansion.
Greater Boston MA, USA
Stable as of 26Dec22: '81 GL1100, '10 Bonnie SE, '86 Yamaha Radian, '83 Suzuki GS650L, '14 Moto Guzzi California, '85 Honda V30 Magna
Stable as of 26Dec22: '81 GL1100, '10 Bonnie SE, '86 Yamaha Radian, '83 Suzuki GS650L, '14 Moto Guzzi California, '85 Honda V30 Magna
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Hi,
I definitely have bubbles in the expansion tank, whether the engine is cold or warm.
I also noticed that the right head and rocker cover are clearly hotter than the left one. Right side gets hot more quickly and stays hotter when engine is hot.
I definitely have bubbles in the expansion tank, whether the engine is cold or warm.
I also noticed that the right head and rocker cover are clearly hotter than the left one. Right side gets hot more quickly and stays hotter when engine is hot.
GL1000 1976 - smooth and unstoppable, be aware ur safety distance
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
- pidjones
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Possible leak from cylinder to water system. Sometimes only appears when you "get on it" (cylinder pressures higher as well as heat input). I had a 2.8 Chevy engine that did that accelerating up a hill. Lucked out with a head re-torque fixing that one (for MANY more miles). On the GL1000, it really isn't that big a job. Just expensive to buy the head ga$ket$. Carbs don't have to come off even. Remove shelter sides, unbolt carbs, lift them up with bungees.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
- Lucien Harpress
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Two things from me for a probable head gasket job:
--There is an easy to miss 10mm bolt on the bottom of each head, I'm addition to the six (I think) main head bolts. Keep an eye out.
--The hardest part for me was getting the coolant tube o-rings back in without cutting them. The tubes on the top of the block are just rather thin aluminum tube, and the edges are fairly sharp. Not to mention the fit is not that positive.
And hey- new belts while you got it apart? Best of luck.
--There is an easy to miss 10mm bolt on the bottom of each head, I'm addition to the six (I think) main head bolts. Keep an eye out.
--The hardest part for me was getting the coolant tube o-rings back in without cutting them. The tubes on the top of the block are just rather thin aluminum tube, and the edges are fairly sharp. Not to mention the fit is not that positive.
And hey- new belts while you got it apart? Best of luck.
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete
All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete
All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
- Whiskerfish
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
Yep order extra coolant tube Orings, they are cheap. Seems like I almost always roll at least one and once it is stretched even a bit it is almost impossible to put in. A little lube of your choice and do not Twist, steady straight pressure. Don't forget to order the 2 small orings for the oil jet.
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
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Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket
One thing I’ve been doing on my bike(s) if they need new head gaskets is that I have .030- 040in milled off the head gasket surface. This does 2 things, it gives you a really nice flat & clean surface to work with. And it gives you a nice little performance boost, particularly in the low end, you can take off up to .050in but that’s the max, I usually only go .040in., that moved my cranking compression from the 135-145 cranking psi that my red bike has had since new to actually be 170-180psi now which is where Honda claims it’s supposed to be (171psi).
I also advanced my cams to +4 degrees which put the cranking compression to just over 200psi, I actually did that several years before milling the heads. By the way it still runs fine on regular gas,but I sometimes run mid grade when it’s particularly hot out, the bike doesn’t seem to care but it helps me not worry & sleep better.
Anyway just something to think about if you take it apart.
I also advanced my cams to +4 degrees which put the cranking compression to just over 200psi, I actually did that several years before milling the heads. By the way it still runs fine on regular gas,but I sometimes run mid grade when it’s particularly hot out, the bike doesn’t seem to care but it helps me not worry & sleep better.
Anyway just something to think about if you take it apart.
Red 1976 oe owner
1976 LTD restored
1980 CBX , in the que, to fix the ignorant heavy handed owner
1981 CBX
1977 CB750 K7
2014 FJR OE owner, sold
1980 GL1100
1984 GL1200 naked
1969 CL350, in the que
1976 LTD restored
1980 CBX , in the que, to fix the ignorant heavy handed owner
1981 CBX
1977 CB750 K7
2014 FJR OE owner, sold
1980 GL1100
1984 GL1200 naked
1969 CL350, in the que
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