My head gasket is leaking and getting leakier...

[Umusername]

So my bike is my daily ride and I would not have that any other way. Unfortunately my head gasket is going and going quickly. The bike is a 1982 Honda Nighthawk CB450SC with around 15,000 miles on it. I am itching for another project as well. The question is how many hours do you think it would take some one with some but not much mechanical experience to replace the gasket/ is it time to jus move on? I have the Clymers manual for it, basic hand tools, no garage and limited time being a full time student about hit finals and working around 30 hours a week. I appreciate any tips you all have I love the forum.

 

[Sonreir]

Not terribly complicated. It should take less than a day if you can get the head off with the engine still in the bike. If you have to remove the engine, maybe a day and a half for a first-timer.

 

[Umusername]

That is actually really relieving to hear since I noticed it and started keeping an eye on it about 2 weeks ago I was really stressing about it. I don't think I will have to drop the engine as the pictures in the clymers have it in side the frame still. Any tips you could give farther than the manual shows?

 

[Rich Ard]

Take your time, Clymer doesn't call for patience. Get a decent Torque wrench.

 

[Rich Ard]

And when you have the head off, check it for flatness on a pane of glass.

 

[Sonreir]

Take your time keep track of what parts go where.

Verify the health of your valves by doing an acetone test once everything is apart.

Make sure all of the old gasket material comes off or the new one won't seal.

Don't force anything. Very little force is required to assemble or disassemble the engine (aside from the force required to torque the bolts).

Use a torque wrench when putting on the head bolts.

Ensure you loosen all of the tappets prior to putting the rocker box back into place to avoid bending any valves.

After assembly, set the valve clearances and timing and timing chain tension. After that, turn the engine over by hand several rotations to ensure nothing is binding or contacting.

 

[Umusername]

Seriously you guys are awesome. I will make a point to try and find a decent place to work on the bike if it is going to take half a day and require patience.

 

[Maritime]

One tip. There are 2 of the long ass head bolts on this motor that are not oil channels and thus are dry, can and will get rusty abd can and will break or strip if you rush. Look at the clymers as I can't remember which 2 or 4? They are. Spray lots of penetrating oil done them 2 days before you do the job. Then 1 day be fore repeat and if they don't come free with a regular ratchet handle, spray them again and walk away for a day. I have taken 3 of the motors apart and 2 have had broken or stripped head bolts broked bolt is less bad. Stripped threads in bottom end sucks balls. If your bike has been running regular you may have no issues. Not to deter you at all as well. Just prep thw bolts and it is easy as pie to remove head, replave gasket and button back up. It took me 2 wrecked motors to get it right. You can learn from my A.D.D. and take your time LOL. Good luck and I may have some parts if you find anything bad. I have given most away but if I have em and you need em they are yours for shipping. Cheers.

Maritime.

Ps i have ad a few beers so I may have rambled a bit

Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Umusername]

One tip. There are 2 of the long ass head bolts on this motor that are not oil channels and thus are dry, can and will get rusty abd can and will break or strip if you rush. Look at the clymers as I can't remember which 2 or 4? They are. Spray lots of penetrating oil done them 2 days before you do the job. Then 1 day be fore repeat and if they don't come free with a regular ratchet handle, spray them again and walk away for a day. I have taken 3 of the motors apart and 2 have had broken or stripped head bolts broked bolt is less bad. Stripped threads in bottom end sucks balls. If your bike has been running regular you may have no issues. Not to deter you at all as well. Just prep thw bolts and it is easy as pie to remove head, replave gasket and button back up. It took me 2 wrecked motors to get it right. You can learn from my A.D.D. and take your time LOL. Good luck and I may have some parts if you find anything bad. I have given most away but if I have em and you need em they are yours for shipping. Cheers.

Maritime.

Ps i have ad a few beers so I may have rambled a bit

Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk 2

I really appreciate the offer and the advice I plan to try and do it right the first try. I am sick os being stubborn, add, and rushing only to have to fix it again later. I am going to get the hang of this if it takes my whole life.