Oil leak from cylinder head

mchech · Post by **mchech** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 11:04 am

Morning, All.

I've got a '64 CA72. About four months ago, I had the top end re-built (new pistons, seals) and the bike ran wonderfully. About a month ago I noticed that oil was spitting from the cylinder head on both sides, just below the cap heads -- when I ride and for about 10 minutes after the bike's parked. It's been a little more noticeable since I last changed the oil (10W-30 straight) about a month ago.

Every time I ride, I lose about a tablespoon. It feels like it's running rougher than usual, but it's still running great. No engine noise. No acceleration issues. A little rough on shifting, but nothing too out of the ordinary. I'm wondering if I've got a bad cylinder head gasket, but I'm not sure. Thought I'd ask you guys for some insight. I've posted a couple pics in case they might help.

Really appreciate any insight you can offer. Thanks.

marc

davomoto · Post by **davomoto** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 1:08 pm

A few possibilities. The valve inspection caps have o-rings, easy to check. Cylinder head cover gasket, cam end cover gaskets, or most likely, it is leaking from the cylinder head castings, should show up around the spark plug holes.

Tango911 · Post by **Tango911** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 2:01 pm

my dream did this , but the oil was coming from the vavle caps. they were loose

mchech · Post by **mchech** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 2:10 pm

Dave/Tango. Really appreciate the help. I'll give it a look and see what's going on and let you know. Thanks again.

Goodysnap · Post by **Goodysnap** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 7:42 pm

Might consider retorquing the head nuts as well. Or just throw a wrench on em and make sure they are snug. Could very well be seepage around the plugs. Try drying it up with a little brake cleaner and see if you can locate the source.

mchech · Post by **mchech** » Sat Sep 04, 2010 8:19 am

I rode it for sporadically yesterday and it's worse. When I parked it, oil was bubbling from the cylinder head and pooling by the crank case. Also pooling around the plugs. I'm wondering if the breather shield plate or plate packing is damaged. Anyway, I'm gonna let it sit until I can get it looked at. I don't have the experience or tools to do a tear down. Shame. It's a beautiful day to ride, too. Ah, well.

Tango911 · Post by **Tango911** » Sat Sep 04, 2010 9:12 am

i want to see a pic of your bike! Hope you can get it fixed.