GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

Discuss everything about Honda GoldWing. Feel free to ask any question related to GoldWing.

Moderators: CYBORG, Oldewing, robin1731, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
pidjones
SUPER BIKER!!!!
SUPER BIKER!!!!
Posts: 3237
Joined: Wed May 22, 2013 4:06 pm
Location: East TN

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#16

Post by pidjones »

I've yet to have a problem with the coolant o-rings. Lube well with silicone grease, make sure the sealing area on both inner and outer surfaces are clean and smooth, and install the o-rings on the tubes first, then insert into the sockets.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
redglbx
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1116
Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2020 8:39 am
Location: NW Indiana,

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#17

Post by redglbx »

^^^ This ! I use Permatex red assembly lube on mine, very slippery stuff.
Red 1976 oe owner
1976 LTD restored
1980 CBX , in the que, to fix the ignorant heavy handed owner
1981 CBX
1977 CB750 K7
2014 FJR OE owner, sold
1980 GL1100
1984 GL1200 naked
1969 CL350, in the que
nicdes
Cast Iron Member
Cast Iron Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:23 pm
Location: Haute-Savoie France

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#18

Post by nicdes »

Thank u all guys for your answers. Appreciate your help !
As she has Dyna S, could the hotter right side (cylinder 1 and 3) be caused by an ignition/advance trouble.
May I try this time adjust : https://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=5720 ?
GL1000 1976 - smooth and unstoppable, be aware ur safety distance ;)
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
User avatar
gltriker
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 5053
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
Location: central NY State

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#19

Post by gltriker »

nicdes wrote: Sun Apr 17, 2022 7:11 pm Thank u all guys for your answers. Appreciate your help !
As she has Dyna S, could the hotter right side (cylinder 1 and 3) be caused by an ignition/advance trouble.
May I try this time adjust : https://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=5720 ?
The right hand ignition coil is responsible for ignition to cylinders 1 and 2. Front right and front left respectively.
Sharing the same Dyna S module.

The left hand ignition coil is responsible for ignition to cylinders 3 and 4. Rear right and rear left respectively.
Sharing the other Dyna S module.

There are other factors that could cause or contribute to the engine issues that are causing you distress.

But first answer this. Are you definitely replacing a cylinder Head gasket?
Cliff (74yrs ;) )

Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday. tumb2

New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^ :oldies

RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi tumb2
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing ;)
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT tumb2 Me Too!!

Cliff

'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM :shock: https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
nicdes
Cast Iron Member
Cast Iron Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:23 pm
Location: Haute-Savoie France

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#20

Post by nicdes »

gltriker wrote: Sun Apr 17, 2022 7:48 pm The right hand ignition coil is responsible for ignition to cylinders 1 and 2. Front right and front left respectively.
Sharing the same Dyna S module.
The left hand ignition coil is responsible for ignition to cylinders 3 and 4. Rear right and rear left respectively.
Sharing the other Dyna S module.
OMG sure ! I misread and misunderstood the explanation. Cylinder (1 &2) and (3 & 4) ! Thanx !
gltriker wrote: Sun Apr 17, 2022 7:48 pm There are other factors that could cause or contribute to the engine issues that are causing you distress.
But first answer this. Are you definitely replacing a cylinder Head gasket?
I want to be sure that head gasket(s) is the thing. I suppose that most of the time, it's not a cause but a consequence, and maybe something else has to be changed. My coolant is very dirty and seems to have floating black pieces of plastics, like parts of an O-ring. I guess I will have to check the full coolant circuit : radiator, waterpump, thermostat etc...
For the head gasket, I'm not so scared about making it but I know how "time eating" it can be. I already done it a few years ago on a dohc saab car. It was after a fan failure...
GL1000 1976 - smooth and unstoppable, be aware ur safety distance ;)
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
User avatar
gltriker
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 5053
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
Location: central NY State

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#21

Post by gltriker »

tumb2 tumb2
Cliff (74yrs ;) )

Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday. tumb2

New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^ :oldies

RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi tumb2
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing ;)
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT tumb2 Me Too!!

Cliff

'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM :shock: https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
User avatar
Sidecar Bob
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7633
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#22

Post by Sidecar Bob »

If you have bubbles in the coolant recovery tank you have a blown head gasket. No maybe, no other possibilities.

You need to figure out which gasket is blown. The side that is hotter could be the culprit but it is also possible that the coolant entering the combustion chamber is cooling the head with the bad gasket so a more specific diagnostic approach is needed. See this thread for my method of finding which gasket was leaking
https://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=73408
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
nicdes
Cast Iron Member
Cast Iron Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:23 pm
Location: Haute-Savoie France

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#23

Post by nicdes »

Thanks for this clear diagnosis Bob !
Many say that if I have to do one, I shall make 2 and change both right and left.
Anyway, I will try to figure out which one is down !
Attached, a pic of what was left in the coolant circuit.
Image
Last edited by nicdes on Tue Apr 19, 2022 4:51 pm, edited 2 times in total.
GL1000 1976 - smooth and unstoppable, be aware ur safety distance ;)
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
User avatar
Sidecar Bob
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7633
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#24

Post by Sidecar Bob »

I don't agree with that. Why disturb one head when there is nothing wrong with its gasket. Would you change the light bulb in the living room because the one in the kitchen stopped working?

BTW: Your pic isn't showing.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
User avatar
Lucien Harpress
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 4077
Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2011 11:41 am
Location: Michigan

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#25

Post by Lucien Harpress »

It's all personal preference of course. I tend to lean the other way, for a couple of reasons. While easier than most bikes, getting to the head gaskets is still a non-trivial repair, and if you've gotten it down this far, you'll save yourself time later by getting them both done at the same time. (By the same reasoning, it's a great time to freshen up the top end as well- valve guide seals, lap the valves, etc.)

Second, while your other gasket may still be good, it's also the same age as the one that failed, and these bikes have the annoying tendency to lose both head gaskets at roughly the same time.

But, as said, your bike, your rules. While there's plenty of "wrong" ways to do a head gasket replacement, whether you do 1 or both is NOT one of them.
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete

All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
nicdes
Cast Iron Member
Cast Iron Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:23 pm
Location: Haute-Savoie France

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#26

Post by nicdes »

Hi,
A pic of the waterpump. Im not surprised It's the old bakelite one. Looks good and not a 1/32" move or play.
I guess I'll stop investigate further more this way and mount the cover back...
Image
GL1000 1976 - smooth and unstoppable, be aware ur safety distance ;)
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
User avatar
dontwantapickle
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 947
Joined: Fri Oct 13, 2017 9:26 pm
Location: Colorado

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#27

Post by dontwantapickle »

What is that black stuff floating in the coolant?
If it is rubber, It's possible that your hoses may be braking down.
nicdes
Cast Iron Member
Cast Iron Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:23 pm
Location: Haute-Savoie France

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#28

Post by nicdes »

It was not really rubber, more a kind of coagulate grease. But I plan to change the hoses anyway as they look scratched and weak
GL1000 1976 - smooth and unstoppable, be aware ur safety distance ;)
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
redglbx
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1116
Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2020 8:39 am
Location: NW Indiana,

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#29

Post by redglbx »

So nicdes, let me ask you on your cars head gasket,,,,,, was it a “Saab” story ? 🙄🙄 Sorry couldn't help myself ! 🤔🤔😁

So on a serious note,any idea of what that is in the coolant ? Never seen anything like that before. Probably need to really flush your coolant system to make sure all of that is out.

One thing I would suggest to help identify which one is bad is to run the bike until it’s fully warmed up, shut it off and pull the plugs, most time the bad gasket will produce steam out of the plug hole.

On the water pump, in spite of all the known issues with the Bakelite water pump impeller I am a fan of it as it is a more efficient design, now ask me what I have in my bike(s) ,,,,, hint,,, it’s metal !

Head gaskets,,I am not a fan of changing head gaskets just because unless they have failed, but Lucien’s comments for freshening the top end up with new valve seals (can be done w/o taking the head off) cleaning and lapping the valves is valid, but if it was running good before the head gasket failure, Itend to leave it alone. But as I said earlier you could mill the heads to clean up the surface very well and increase the compression a bit, but it is your bike & your choice.
Red 1976 oe owner
1976 LTD restored
1980 CBX , in the que, to fix the ignorant heavy handed owner
1981 CBX
1977 CB750 K7
2014 FJR OE owner, sold
1980 GL1100
1984 GL1200 naked
1969 CL350, in the que
nicdes
Cast Iron Member
Cast Iron Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:23 pm
Location: Haute-Savoie France

Re: GL1000 1976 - Head gasket

#30

Post by nicdes »

Hi,
I found a pro mechanic close to my area who accepts to check and clean the radiator.
I already have ordered and received a new calorstat and shall let the bakelite waterpump in place. If the radiator is ok, it will go back to it's place with new hoses. This way, after a good flush, I shall restart dearest miss GL and try to identify which head gasket is dead.
My short mechanic experience has showed me a few times that the less I touch the better for the engine, so I'd really prefer to find and replace the bad gasket (if only one is involved...).
Last edited by nicdes on Thu Apr 21, 2022 2:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
GL1000 1976 - smooth and unstoppable, be aware ur safety distance ;)
SRX 600 1987 - stroke and agility, catch me if u can
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMB875 ... WWNj5MtKAw
https://soundcloud.com/nicdes
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “GoldWing Tech Discussions”