My Wing

[theailer]

Think I found where some of the oil goes except for in the combustion chambers. It is veeping between the cylinder head and the head valve covers. A bit weird that I haven't seen that before, though I do park the bike on grass most of the time so a bit hard to see oil stains

New speedo was a really good match, it is a bit off at higher speeds but nothing unmanageable. But it is not Honda quality, the ODO kind of vibrates a bit and the rubber between the chrome and the speedo is really badly made but that is easily replaced though.

[Track T 2411]

Valve cover leaks are pretty common, especially if they are aftermarket covers. It's usually not the gasket, although they too will get old and harden. Sometimes a dab of RTV (only a dab) in the corners will help. I've also added a washer under the bolt head to increase the pressure on the cover, as the bolts have a shoulder that doesn't allow overtightening. Overtightening will break the bolt, most often flush with the head. Just an FYI...

[gltriker]

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Valve cover leaks are pretty common, especially if they are aftermarket covers. It's usually not the gasket, although they too will get old and harden. Sometimes a dab of RTV (only a dab) in the corners will help. I've also added a washer under the bolt head to increase the pressure on the cover, as the bolts have a shoulder that doesn't allow overtightening. Overtightening will break the bolt, most often flush with the head. Just an FYI...

+1 with Track T assessment

here's the solution to will get old and harden. Those consumable valve cover bolt seals are available from many different sources.

note: the rubber portion of the valve cover bolt seal and its chrome retainer are one already assembled part
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Screenshot 2024-06-27 010116 - VALVE COVER BOLT SEAL.jpg

[theailer]

Thanks!
I'll do my very best not to break the bolts

Ordered this little thing yesterday:

s-l1600.jpg

It's a motor of a Gl1200 1985 Limited Edition and very low mileage at 17500 miles.
I already have two sets of throttle bodies and intakes for the fuel injected GL1200, I was always going to retrofit the bike to fuel injection one way or the other.
I'll most likely replace the motor during the winter season, probably also send the frame away for powder coating while the motor is out.
I've read that the stator is a common issue on these motors, anything else that would need attention will I have it outside of the bike?

[wingrider]

Nice score! Little more giddy up with the 1200 vs the 1100.

[Track T 2411]

Nice score! If you plan on getting the frame powder coated, I suggest you do a preliminary engine install first. The 1200's are not always a bolt in due to variances in the frame. IIRC, the LTD engine also has a larger stator and (maybe) a different rear cover??

[wingrider]

The 1100 frame might be a little easier to slip a 1200 in than the 1000 was for some. I measured my 84 rear cover, and the rear cover of the 85 EFI engine I have, and found the 84 to be 3/8" shorter than the 85. I need to measure the 87 engine I have to see if that held true throughout the line.

[theailer]

Thanks for the heads up.

Let's see if I can wait until winter to replace the motor hehe.

I'm at the office today but looking at pictures of the two motors I do hope it will fit without issues.
The heat shield on the stator should be the same part number on all years GL1000-GL1200 and it doesn't seem to stick out too far compared to the 1100.

[theailer]

The LTD motor does not seem to have a mechanical tach output, do you guys know of a way to replicate the electrical signals to a driven tach like on the other models?
Or do I face the option of running with no tach or changing the entire speedo assembly to something other than original? =)

[Fred Camper]

All the 1976 LTDs I have seen including my own have a mechanical tach. Just like the other GL1000's It is located at the fuel pump drive casting. Since 1200s have both a electric fuel pump and electronic tach, you are correct that a change to instruments may be the best process.

[theailer]

Ah, I meant the GL1200 1985 Limited edition.
Sorry for the confusion.

[Track T 2411]

You're stuck with finding an electronic tach. Many moons ago, a past member here modified a mechanical tach bezel and stuffed the guts of a 1200 Interstate (in- fairing) tach inside. It did seem like more than a bit of work...
I'm not sure, but there may be later model non-Wing Hondas with electronic tachs that are similar in appearance...

[Track T 2411]

The member I mentioned above is 'pago cruiser'. I couldn't find the particular thread concerning the tach mod, but he did mention that Honda Magna's used an electronic tach that was similar. May be worth searching...

[theailer]

Thanks.
Opening up the tach isn’t something I’m looking forward to. But replacing it with a similar size and look would be the best thing.

[wingrider]

Look at it this way, you have a custom bike, might as well keep up that tradition and put a modern setup on it.