83 Aspencade Blown Head Gasket

[dan filipi]

It is a gamble because the metal gasket at the cylinders crushes but I would take a chance since it hasn't gone through any heat cycle. I don't know if spraying on copper coat would have helped but I would have used it.

 

[Jcol]

No one in my area knew about Copper Coat. I went to a Nappa and a Parts Source no luck. I even had then look it up on the internet in case they had an equivalent product which they do not, I'm hopeful it will be OK but it will have wait till next week as I'm 800 miles north of my home right now working. I service medical equipment and am in a small northern community hospital.

 

[Jcol]

I'm in Moose Factory Ont which is on an island near Moosonee. Very warm here today 31 C no AC in the hospital or hotel.

 

[slabghost]

Worth a try. Seems to me the torquing of the head gasket should be the last thing to done before installing the valve covers. Too many things can cause head removal.

 

[Jcol]

Had some time today so I finished up putting the rad back on after the head gasket replacement. I tried starting the bike for the first time and it rolled over fine but did not fire. I pulled a plug and checked for spark and gas. Plug was dry. Checked gas and fuel lever, both good. I tried to start it again but this time the start did not catch, it just spun. I rotated the motor using the stator bolt and tried a few times but the start refuses to catch. I called it a day and went in to watch the race. Does this mean a starter tear down? I've seen a chain mentioned, is it possible to get it to catch again? Thanks.

 

[Jcol]

well after a few more tries the starter started to work again. After a few more starting attempts and some spark plug swapping the bike started up and seems to be running OK. It idles and revs smoothly. I let it run for about 20 minutes, the fan cycled several times and there was no bad noises or smoke. So far so good.

 

[scdmarx]

I think you're good to go.

 

[slabghost]

Sounds good to me.

 

[toytender01]

Time for the open road!!!!!!!! :Egyptian: :Egyptian: :Egyptian: :Egyptian: :good: :salute:

 

[Jcol]

Update - I'm taking it easy with this bike since I had to take the head off after I had installed the new gasket. After my initial start up tests I started to see occational wisps of steam coming from the left side. At first I thought it was my head gasket letting go, but the steam would come and go and there was nothing out of the exhaust. After some careful looking I found that I had a very small coolent leak at the top of the head where the coolant supply flang attaches. A small amount of coolant would occationally leak out, run down the spark plug hole, drop through the drain hole beside the spark plug and then get vaporized by the exhaust. I did not think to order a gasket for this flange so I bought some liquid gasket and spread it evenly on the clean flange surface. I reassembled and let is sit over night. For the last two nights I have started the bike and let it idle several times during the evenings. It's probably been running now for more then 2 hours total. So far no steam and the coolant level in my reserve tank has not moved so I think everything if tight. I can't believe how good the engine sounds and how nice it now starts. Tonight will be the first test drive around the block. Fingers crossed :yes:

 

[slabghost]

Best of luck.

 

[Jcol]

It's been some time since I updated about my 83 Aspencade. With summer and holidays I have been working on it off on. I have the bike back together and I have been taking short road tests and then coming back to straighten out all the minor things that I find wrong with the bike. My first impression is that the bike rides very nice and is very comfortable going down the road. Fifth gear seem a lot taller them my 81 so at 60 mph it seems a little more relaxed. It has a better exhaust system then my 81 - there are no leaks so it is quieter. I am getting used to the digital guages and have figured out most functions except for how to set the clock. I discovered that I do have the original leather bounded owners manual but I just haven't taken the time to read up on how to do it. I know that the digital guages were considered cool back in 83 however I think I prefer needle guages - at least for speedo and tach. It is nice having the gear indicated. This bike is also much easier to find neutral when it is running - that is virtually impossible on my 81. As for problems - during my first ride I noticed that the fairing was very loose. Each bump would cause it to move on it's own. When I checked into it I discovered that the front 2 bolts were missing and that both bolts for the internal brackets were very loose. I tightened up all the bolts and added the two missing and now the fairing stays put. Hard to image the PO riding it like this. I also had to adjust the clutch cable. I also have replaced all the brake pads. With the combined brakes the rear and one side of the fronts were fine, but the other front - the one that is actuated by handle were worn down to almost nothing. I suspect that the PO used the handle more then the foot and thus worn down those pads faster. I must say I like the combined brake system, really seems like I have more braking power them with my 81. Still lots of stuff to do with the bike but it is offically ridable at this time. It has shined up nicely but the luggage bins need a lot of attention. I have sanded down one of the side bins top and have started painting. I don't know if I'll try to match the orginal silver gray and black that the bins use or just come up with something neutral. Anything will be an improvement over how they now look. Will post some pictures when I have something to show. Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[joedrum]

sounds great jcol

 

[AApple]

I am getting used to the digital gauges and have figured out most functions except for how to set the clock.

:smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:
So?
Aren't they ALL s'posed to flash "12:00" all the time....like the one on the VCR/DVD, and the oven? :smilie_happy:

Sounds like you've done a good job on rehabilitating your Aspy....Congrats! :clapping:

 

[joedrum]

:smilie_happy: :mrgreen:

 

[toytender01]

A harty well done :Egyptian: :Egyptian: :Egyptian: