Port
XS650 Addict
some background
I picked up my first bike, a 1981 xs650-sh a few months ago. It was running when i got it but then a few things happened. First, I popped the clutch and hit a 1" tall brick wall, crushed the header pipe and dinged the left side engine cover. I replaced the exhaust and rebuilt the front brakes. The first time i took it for a ride it was running ok, just a little bit of backfiring and then it just cut out. I got it home and it had no sparks, i've ordered a new wiring harness as the old one was a patchwork mess but, i'm pretty sure something else is wrong with the electrical system but i can't figure that out until i get the new wiring harness in.
Now to the topic of this post
I noticed a pretty bad oil leak after her maiden voyage. It's leaking from both head gaskets but only on the left side (probably shook loose during her introduction to the brick wall). I've got the bike pulled mostly apart at the moment and want some advice as how to proceed.
1. Should I torque down the head bolts/ nuts first to see if that stops the leak once i get her running again?
or
2. Should I pull the engine now and replace those two gaskets before putting it back together?
3. If I go with number 2:
What do I NEED to replace when i open up the engine?
What SHOULD i replace when i open up the engine?
What should i make sure to double check for failure?
4. One of my intake valves has a fair amount of carbon buildup on it while the other one is pretty much clear of any buildup. What can cause this and what should I do about it?
Slightly off topic
5. The starter is also slipping after a couple of seconds of turning over. This can wait, right?
6. Some gas in the airbox is due to malfunction floats, right? If so, how do i adjust the floats? I have had trouble finding something that addresses this specific topic.
7. How the hell do i remove an old exhaust head gasket? (the big metal crush rings)
9. I was only able to remove one exhaust stud when i was trying to replace them. I used 2 nuts, snugged up against each other but wasn't able to work them loose, any tipps?
10. how can i tell if the sump pump filter needs replacing and if it does, should i upgrade it?
I picked up my first bike, a 1981 xs650-sh a few months ago. It was running when i got it but then a few things happened. First, I popped the clutch and hit a 1" tall brick wall, crushed the header pipe and dinged the left side engine cover. I replaced the exhaust and rebuilt the front brakes. The first time i took it for a ride it was running ok, just a little bit of backfiring and then it just cut out. I got it home and it had no sparks, i've ordered a new wiring harness as the old one was a patchwork mess but, i'm pretty sure something else is wrong with the electrical system but i can't figure that out until i get the new wiring harness in.
Now to the topic of this post
I noticed a pretty bad oil leak after her maiden voyage. It's leaking from both head gaskets but only on the left side (probably shook loose during her introduction to the brick wall). I've got the bike pulled mostly apart at the moment and want some advice as how to proceed.
1. Should I torque down the head bolts/ nuts first to see if that stops the leak once i get her running again?
or
2. Should I pull the engine now and replace those two gaskets before putting it back together?
3. If I go with number 2:
What do I NEED to replace when i open up the engine?
What SHOULD i replace when i open up the engine?
What should i make sure to double check for failure?
4. One of my intake valves has a fair amount of carbon buildup on it while the other one is pretty much clear of any buildup. What can cause this and what should I do about it?
Slightly off topic
5. The starter is also slipping after a couple of seconds of turning over. This can wait, right?
6. Some gas in the airbox is due to malfunction floats, right? If so, how do i adjust the floats? I have had trouble finding something that addresses this specific topic.
7. How the hell do i remove an old exhaust head gasket? (the big metal crush rings)
9. I was only able to remove one exhaust stud when i was trying to replace them. I used 2 nuts, snugged up against each other but wasn't able to work them loose, any tipps?
10. how can i tell if the sump pump filter needs replacing and if it does, should i upgrade it?