83 GL1100A oil in overflow tank

[G George]

I recently bought this 83 GL1100A with 41176. miles that had set for an unknown period of time and knew it needed some work, part of which i could do, part i hired done.
While at the motorcycle shop having the carbs redone and the forks worked over, i asked them to change the oil and filter and
tell me if they encountered any metal, shavings, anything unhealthy.

The mech also checked the compression which he stated was surprisingly good, and told me the engine was sound enough to spend the money on repairs

When i got it back from the shop and started working on the things i needed to do i discovered some oil in the coolant overflow reservoir.

Should i suspect a head gasket or some other gasket or seal??
I am going to get the engine gasket set to re-do the head gaskets, what else should i look at doing to fix this problem?
By the way no coolant in the oil, just oil in the coolant.

Will try to post pics
Thanks for your help.
G George

 

[mcgovern61]

That usually shows up because your water pump seal is bad. Also, in the pic of your oil level, that is way too high (unless the engine was running!) There is a high level mark just before the top of the glass. Overfilling these engines is not a good idea!

 

[AApple]

Heck...that ain't no oil in the coolant recovery tank....
THIS is oil in the coolant recovery tank!!!

resv

• AApple
• Jul 1, 2012

Oil in overflow tank

cap

• AApple
• Jul 1, 2012

Radiator cap with oil residue

:smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:


The oil in my coolant was a combination of head gasket failure AND water pump seals. I also had no coolant in the engine oil.
If you are going to do the head gaskets, do NOT use non-OE head gaskets. Use only Honda gaskets. Save yourself a lot of misery, and go ahead and spend the few extra $$$, and do it right, and only do it once. :good:

 

[G George]

Whats up with people today that you constantly have to watch what they are doing and remind them of what they have not done.
I had to remind the mech 3 times to get the oil and inspection done, and can you believe my bike passed state safety inspection with a junk rear brake master cylinder?!?!

Drain the oil, open up the water pump, and the heads, anything else i should do while that far in??

Thank you for your input.
G George

AApple .. whats up with that cat?? too funny! ha

 

[joedrum]

you sould at least take the ignition cover off ...unplug the vacume line from carb rack ...applt suction to to from mouth and see if the ignition plate moves and tho makes sure its good and free moving there also away to make it adjustable ....you need to read it ...very informative

 

[slabghost]

yes while the tank is out check your ignition for movement and the vacuum advance for any leaks.