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Message started by JohnsonLager on 03/05/19 at 20:19:17

Title: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by JohnsonLager on 03/05/19 at 20:19:17

Hi again.
I've just started in the process of taking off my cylinder head and possibly more to address some oil leaking issues. First and foremost I noticed a lose head bolt, it might be L130 I can confirm later. Bolt is loose apparently due to some stripping inside the block. I'm going to disassemble as necessary to install a helicoil and reassemble unless others have additional repair suggestions along the way.

I have attached pictures to show the degree of the leak and where it's currently at.

I have noticed the leak for at least 3 months.

I replaced the rear shocks with dyna shocks and wish I would have never done that. I'm going back to stock and should've long ago. The dyna shocks are much stiffer and I'm thinking the rougher ride has done damage over time hitting speed bumps for example.

I have taken the cylinder head cover off before and done the oil plug fix. That was about 2 years ago.

If it's relevant, I have a second posting currently addressing some carb issues here
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1550467125/0

http://i64.tinypic.com/2vuacgh.jpg
http://i67.tinypic.com/2ujmouv.jpg
http://i66.tinypic.com/mkgfvc.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/2qicriw.jpg
http://i66.tinypic.com/n3q72t.jpg

Any advice is much appreciated

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by verslagen1 on 03/05/19 at 21:42:15

the oil on top is probably from the valve inspection covers.
could be the head plug too, but you need to clean the bike take a short ride and see where it's coming from.

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by Dave on 03/06/19 at 04:31:57

Man....that's a leaker!

I hope you scrubbed it off before you began taking it apart.

To fix the L130 properly.....the engine needs to come out of the frame, the head and cylinder need to come off.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1448209911

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by JohnsonLager on 03/07/19 at 09:39:26

Dang, i was afraid of that so that's my plan this weekend i guess

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by GOF on 03/07/19 at 19:13:31

I agree with Verslagen. You need to clean that thoroughly and figure out exactly what is going on before proceeding.

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by JohnsonLager on 03/10/19 at 13:23:53

Cleaning it up and taking it for a drive to diagnose exactly where the leak is coming from is good advice and probably should've done that before I started taking it apart. Not exactly an option at the moment since I have my carb in pieces and waiting on a rebuild kit.

Currently, I have the head cover off and I'm looking up info on if I can manage getting this cylinder out without taking the engine out of the frame so I can fix my L130

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by Dave on 03/11/19 at 04:21:50

You can find oil leaks using an air compressor.

Set the air pressure really low....like 3-5 psi - I just have almost no air in the compressor tank so that I can't over pressurize anything. Hook the air hose up to the breather hose on the top of the engine........and spray soapy water around the engine and look for bubbles.

Here is Verslagen's thread on the test:
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1335737953

Here is where I found a leak on my rescue bike:
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1440293732

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by JohnsonLager on 03/11/19 at 15:11:33

Awesome, I haven't read those threads before.

Currently, I have the head cover and removed the head. I was able to get it out by dropping the engine. I'm going to install an helicoil into L130 today and order parts for reassembly. Which of the following should I be sure to replace:
-rubber seals for valve inspection covers (I have a suspicion this is where the leak is occurring, but unconfirmed at the moment)
-o ring for oil galley
-sealing washers for bolts on head cover (please confirm which ones these are)
-rubber plug at end of cam
-rubber head plug
-head gasket (looks ok, guessing I should replace)
-crank case gasket (looks in good shape)

http://i67.tinypic.com/otn0uv.jpg
http://i64.tinypic.com/5bvgye.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/29moa6r.jpg
http://i66.tinypic.com/30m9zwy.jpg

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by GOF on 03/11/19 at 19:49:15

Check out Verslagen's head plug.
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1338489898

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by Dave on 03/12/19 at 04:06:42

You will need a new head gasket......those should not be re-used.

The copper washers under the head studs should also be replaced, and I install a small amount of sealer to the washers when installing them....and anti-sieze on the stud threads/nuts before torquing them....the left front and right rear can cause oil leaks. You will need to get them torqued before the sealer sets up.

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by JohnsonLager on 03/12/19 at 16:11:11

I am less than excited about spending $40+ on a gasket. I will if I have to, but does anyone have experience doing the technique in this post?
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1296648845/0#0

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/12/19 at 19:09:21

I bought a gasket from an independent shop. They had a machine that cut them out. Stuff a DVD in, push a few buttons and Shazzam! a gasket gets cut out. Your telephone is your friend.

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by Dave on 03/13/19 at 03:48:26

The head gasket is one place I would never want to "re-use" a gasket.

Just think how much work you need to do if it doesn't work.......$40 is money well spent, it is likely the last head gasket you will ever buy.

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by DragBikeMike on 03/13/19 at 12:12:10

I agree, replace the gasket with a new one.

I have re-used copper gaskets for years. You simply anneal them and they are good to go.....but.....they almost ALWAYS weep oil. I used that process on everything from dirt bikes to drag bikes.....but.....as I mentioned, they almost ALWAYS weeped oil. Considering the application the weeping was no big deal. I was tearing those engines down on a regular basis so a little weeping wasn't an issue.

The multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets are less forgiving than copper. They aren't soft like copper and don't conform to irregularities as well as copper. You are working on the engine to correct oil leaks. It will suck if you go through all this work only to have the head gasket puking oil. Spring the $40 bucks and do it right.

Title: Re: Significant, possibly multiple oil leaks
Post by Bubba on 03/19/19 at 13:51:15

Or just buy this and you'll have everything you need...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-LS650-650-Savage-1986-2004-Complete-Engine-Gasket-Kit-Set/323540023953?fits=Model%3ASavage+650%7CSubmodel%3ALS650%7CMake%3ASuzuki&epid=710375593&hash=item4b547cfa91:g:HfcAAOSwiuxb5Fwb:sc:USPSFirstClass!80215!US!-1