new in town

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 3:12 pm

Well, I guess I am introducing myself..... Not that anyone cares. I'm hoping to learn something from all you scholars of the roadbike, so don't dissapoint. I own 1980 CB750C. It needs a new back tire, a head gasket, new Oring drivechain, an oil change and a lot of cleaning. I've got the oil change figured out. Now I'm on to the gasket. Anyone know if I have to completely remove the engine to replace the head gasket? It appears there is enough clearance. I am a noob. Should I just bite the bullet and take it to the shop.

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 3:27 pm

The engine has to come out to service the head. While you are at it and have the head off, relap the valves and replace the valve stem seals.
With the advice of the folks on the forum and the service manual found on the forum you should be able to tackle it yourself and save $$$.

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 3:31 pm

Welcome to here wave

The motor needs to come out to change the head gasket. But, needing head gasket replacement is a pretty rare condition for these bikes. There is no pressurized oil running through the head/cylinder block joint, so what looks like an oil leak usually is coming from elsewhere and just blowing around to look like a head leak.

All the pressurized oil comes up the pipe behind the cylinder block, from the main oil galley in the case to the head.

Generally it's a valve cover, tach drive, or front tensioner leak causing the issue.

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 3:43 pm

Thanks for the reply! Here is my followup:

After looking again, I see oil all where the gasket is as well as the grommets. Stay with head gasket or is this a sympton of another issue?

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:01 pm

Sounds like you are confusing the valve cover gasket with the head gasket.

You don't need to remove the engine to service the valve cover. New gaskets and valve cover bolt gaskets are economically available from many sources and easily changed.

And while you are in there, adjust the valves.

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:20 pm

Welcome to the site DaddyO ... Smile

I'll second what old dirt said . Adjust ALL valves to .005".

Which geological state or province are you living in ?

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:25 pm

pd likes to visit all the new members is why he's asking

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:37 pm

My money is on Shelbyville, Ohio.

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:30 pm

Il, IN , KY , MI , Mo , TN , TX

Shocked

I'm fealing Indiana Shocked

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:57 pm

Good to see you here!
Welcome

From what you have written I agree with my bro's here and say your in for the MUCH easier task of fixing a valve cover gasket leak. Easier then even an oil change once you get the hang of it.

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:39 am

vantasticdude wrote:

Il, IN , KY , MI , Mo , TN , TX

Shocked

I'm fealing Indiana Shocked

You really think someone from Indiana would be hip enough to call himself DaddyO?

No way! Gotta be Ohio

Laughing

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:32 am

Shelbyville is the name of the planet that is hidden behind the horsehead nebula..... Everybody knows that.....

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 8:34 am

I thought that's where the Simpsons' live?

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 9:04 am

Everyone knows it's right next to Springfield!!! Ok, so you are close to both IN and OH. Raised in IN, but live in KY now.

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 9:10 am

Old Dirt, that is why we pay you the 1.5 mil. To help the noobie out. I think PD is asking where I live b/c he wants to send me a pretty set of 4 into 4 exhaust pipes and a side cover.

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:23 am

i take the mono rail to shelbyville

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:59 am

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 11:09 am

Wow, now that's a work of art there!

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 11:11 am

DaddyO wrote:

Old Dirt, that is why we pay you the 1.5 mil. To help the noobie out. I think PD is asking where I live b/c he wants to send me a pretty set of 4 into 4 exhaust pipes and a side cover.

I would if I had those precious items to share , but ...

On another note :

Born and raised in MI . Eloped and got married in Cumberland Gap .

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:15 pm

old_dirt wrote:

Wow, now that's a work of art there!

Thanks. We've had several new people with confusing ideas of what piece is what in the last while. I hope that will help clarify it.

Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 7:57 pm

Those pic's were perfect. And it does clarify for me that it is a valve cover gasket issue. Which from what has been discussed is not too difficult to do..

By the way, born in MI, raised in IN, eloped in Big Bend National Park in TX and live in KY.... My vintage honda parts store is opening back up this week so I will be stopping by to get started with the necessary parts. I am sure i will be posting new questions.

Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:57 pm

Live in Kentucky???? Does anyone really "LIVE" in Kentucky???

Welcome aboard anyway... LOL...

Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 9:26 am

Well, I have finally purchased the valve cover gasket and grommets. I have 2 questions: 1.) Do I need a torque wrench to correctly tighten those screws where I am replacing the grommets? 2.) What tool(s) do I need to adjust the valves to .005" and any advice on how to do this? If you haven't noticed, I am totally green here. Feel free to make fun where you see fit...

Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:16 am

not screws, bolts

yes , you need a tourque wrench, 9 foot lbs

Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:07 am

Papa Smurf says to torque.

Most of use just tighten them till they stop and no more. The rubber on the seal will not allow them to turn out and much tighter as John said will result in stripped aluminum threads.

You will see they have a shoulder on them that prevent them from pulling down too far.