transfer pipes leaking antifreeze down through spark plug weep holes

[leonardhcross]

Having completed the head gasket replacement, I fired up the engine to inspect for leaks. It was cold out and I have not reset the static timing nor have I yet balanced the carbs. After a short period of time, I noticed a significant amount of steam rising up from under the right side. Although I have looked hard, I do not see antifreeze dripping from the transfer tubes. However, my guess is leaking o-rings are the source of the antifreeze. I suspect that the leaking antifreeze is finding its way down into the spark plug wells and out the weep holes onto the exhaust manifold. I will drain antifreeze and re-examine the o-rings and then post a follow up. However, I thought I would post this now in case any of the more experience mechanics had another suggestion.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpL8WRAOq-g

[pidjones]

Should polish the tubes and sockets, use new o-rings, and lubricate them with a stiff silicone-based lube.

[leonardhcross]

Thank you. That is the first time I have seen or read anything about polishing tubes and sockets. Oh well, carbs off again. I am getting better at that at least.

[ericheath]

I think you can do it without full removal of the carbs. They are just pressed into place. Be careful not to remove material from whatever you fashion to clean them.

[leonardhcross]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely attempt to clean and reassemble before going through the hassle of removing carbs. I am picturing just wrapping some clean cloth around a wooden dowel rod and maybe some gentle solvent. Repeat until cloths are clean. I'll post my results.

[pidjones]

If they are cruded-up like some I have seen, you will be best served pulling the carbs and using Scotchbrite or such too remove the build-up from years of neglect. Pulling the elbows over the heads will give you a good idea.

[leonardhcross]

OK. I'll follow your advice. Pull the carbs and polish the tubes. The truth is that most of my "short-cuts" have failed in the past.

[leonardhcross]

In this next video, I disassemble and examine the water tubes in search of my antifreeze leak. I looked hard at the fittings while the bike was running and steaming. I could not see any leaks from the tubes or fittings. However, because the base of the water tube fitting is hidden by the spark plug boots, it is possible that the hidden gasket was leaking. I will replace the gasket and o-rings and clean up all connections and see what happens.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEUswGKQAe8

[pidjones]

Your o-ring sealing surfaces are nasty. The existing o-ring in the elbow has taken a permanent "set" and should be replaced. Although the new o-ring may indeed compress into the elbow and seal, I'd be more comfortable with a light fit to the tube. Lubricate the o-ring and fittings with a good silicone grease after making sure the sealing surfaces are clean and smooth. These o-rings never see extreme high temperatures, so Buna-N (nitrile) are fine.

[Rednaxs60]

Have to ask, have you had the exhaust header off the right side? How many exhaust gasket rings are in the exhaust header? Have seen 2/3 exhaust gasket rings in the exhaust header and it doesn't' seal well - easy to overlook. Looked at your videos and the smoke seems to have a slight bluish tinge.

Once you get this latest work done and there are no water leaks, I would surmise it is oil causing the smoke. The exhaust header could be impregnated/soaked in oil such that it smokes. Takes a while to get rid of this.

Good luck.

[leonardhcross]

Thanks Rednaxs60. As I just completed the head gasket job, the headers have been off. I am careful about the copper gaskets so took the time to dig out the existing gaskets. Antifreeze is definitely pooling some on the top of the engine so I know for sure that there is a leak. Also, the smell of steaming antifreeze and burning oil are so clearly different that I am confidant I am looking at steam, not oil burning. I'll update this post once the water tubes are back on.

[leonardhcross]

Your o-ring sealing surfaces are nasty. The existing o-ring in the elbow has taken a permanent "set" and should be replaced. Although the new o-ring may indeed compress into the elbow and seal, I'd be more comfortable with a light fit to the tube. Lubricate the o-ring and fittings with a good silicone grease after making sure the sealing surfaces are clean and smooth. These o-rings never see extreme high temperatures, so Buna-N (nitrile) are fine.

Thanks pidjones. I am assuming that you meant "tight" fit, not "light" fit. I noticed on an earlier post in the forum that the post suggested that one could get an o-ring at "any hardware store" for the water tubes. Has that been your experience? I have already ordered the recommended size from Partzilla so am just being curious.

[pidjones]

I've even had good luck with Harbor Freight o-rings (from one of their kits). Not tight. Maybe just snug. Lube is important to prevent damage on assembly, and to allow the rubber to deform sealing the fitting.