Triumphrat

altlcrzy · 02-05-2007

I posted a questions about an oil leak that I had a few weeks back and have not had time to check it out until recently.
Here is what happened. I went for a short ride ( 7 miles) and I was driving at about 90-95. When I got where I was going there was oil on the side head, the case, the side panels, and my boot. There was no noticalbe difference in performance while riding.
I drove the bike home again same problem but no difference in performance. I decided to wait until the morning to investigate my problem.
This morning I cleaned everything up and started the bike and looked for the leak. I reved the bike the up to 6k and and found nothing. I noticed that it is very moist inbetween the head and the cylinder but no noticalble leaking. I checked the return tube and it is dry as is the low oil indicator in the back.
I have been told that the head gaskets on these bikes dont ever go but thats what I suspect however, I am unsure. I also know that If I take this into the dealdership its gonna cost me 75 bucks an hour to get it figured out.
So my questions are has anyone had these problems before. Also has anyone replaced a head gasket?

Any help is appreciated,

Andy

SCCTrim · 02-05-2007

It's a brand new bike, why is it going to cost you anything....they do have a 2 year warranty.

sweatmachine · 02-05-2007

I just pulled my head gasket, it's layered steel, looks like 3 layers, and it's about as thick as a 2 pieces of paper. Very Very sturdy.

If you like I could mail it to you to check it out.

Bonnie1000th · 02-05-2007

Quote:

On 2007-02-05 13:50, altlcrzy wrote:
I posted a questions about an oil leak that I had a few weeks back and have not had time to check it out until recently.
Here is what happened. I went for a short ride ( 7 miles) and I was driving at about 90-95. When I got where I was going there was oil on the side head, the case, the side panels, and my boot. There was no noticalbe difference in performance while riding.
I drove the bike home again same problem but no difference in performance. I decided to wait until the morning to investigate my problem.
This morning I cleaned everything up and started the bike and looked for the leak. I reved the bike the up to 6k and and found nothing. I noticed that it is very moist inbetween the head and the cylinder but no noticalble leaking. I checked the return tube and it is dry as is the low oil indicator in the back.
I have been told that the head gaskets on these bikes dont ever go but thats what I suspect however, I am unsure. I also know that If I take this into the dealdership its gonna cost me 75 bucks an hour to get it figured out.
So my questions are has anyone had these problems before. Also has anyone replaced a head gasket?

Any help is appreciated,

Andy

Hey Andy:
To determine if the oil leak is from the head gasket, you will need to properly wash the area, let it dry or if you have a compressor apply air pressure.
Then apply baby powder between the head and the jugs.
Then take the bike for a ride, and check the area, then you will know if is the head gasket.
If is not, then another possibility could be the oil lines, but it seems that is your head gasket, the way you describe.
Been there, done that.
I fyou have to pay, it looks like your bike is 04 or previous year.
I hope this help!

MotoSayle · 02-05-2007

Does that baby powder trick actually work or are you just pulling my leg?

:-g

Bonnie1000th · 02-05-2007

Quote:

On 2007-02-05 19:35, MotoSayle wrote:
Does that baby powder trick actually work or are you just pulling my leg?

:-g

Of course it works!
I'm offering him a serious an honest advise!
The baby powder trick it's an old trick, almost as old as me!

Marde · 02-05-2007

Andy, the gaskets can go, as did mine at about 2,000 miles. I had oil leaking out the right side and flying off into my pant leg. It took two gaskets before the dealer got a replacement on properly. I was riding a couple of weeks back, before the cold really set-in, and noticed oil on the left side of the engine. So this might not be the end of it. Luckily the warranty is in effect, so the only thing I'm out is my time.

Good luck, hope your warranty is covering the $'s.

altlcrzy · 02-06-2007

Again. Thanks for the help guys. I have the next couple of weeks off of work so I think that the heads are coming off!!!

Wish me luck,

Andy

sweatmachine · 02-06-2007

If you're taking the head off you might as well have a machine shop do a port/polish on the intake and exhaust, it should only cost $100-200 and will make a difference. You could also have them skim a few thousandths off the head and get some 'free' hp that way, although I would just do a 904cc kit while you're in there. Might as well upgrade it while you have it apart.

LT · 02-06-2007

What year is your bike?