[Marshall]

I took my 81 Custom out for a ride the other day and drove it harder than I ever have before. I got the carbs all synced up by Larry and keep hearing that this bike can go above 6k easily so I thought what the hell. Sure enough something happens, just my luck with this bike. I looked down ans saw that the temperature was wayyy above what it usually is (even though my regulator is broken and it's always in the red, the needle was prettymuch up in the gauge past visibility.)



I parked it when I got home and smelled burning plastic... Who knows what that's from. But, I did find a pretty nice oil leak on the upper right side (clutch side) of the front crank case cover. Is the gasket for this readily available? Do I need to take the clutch and/or oil filter off to get the cover off? (I think I do)



Another thing I have going on is a coolant leak at the back of the engine where it's piped into the block. I was told that it's alot of hassle to fix it and just let it be, just make sure there's always fluid in it. I'm content with that. But now when I ride it, no matter what gear, when I get at about 3.5-4k RPM, I hear what I guess I would describe as a hollow sound that was never there before, and it's right below my crotch. Any ideas what it might be?



Another thing! I looked at the bike from a distance and I saw all kinds of fluid on the right side of the rear tire! only the right side too. This might be a drain hose or the coolant leak or any of that, just putting that out there.



Im going to look around the forums too and try to find the electric fan conversion too... but if someone could help me out with a link to buy the fan or anything, that'd be dope. I know the battery is 12v and most motors are too. Guessing I'd have to find a spare pair from the main power splitter or else I'll just have to tap in and throw on some mollex connectors or somet...



Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! I like my bike but it's probably the biggest lemon I've ever purchased. But, I like it.

 

[ramprat06]

The front engine cover gasket is available, and it is not too hard to replace, you may as well do the clutch cover gasket too. The stuff you see on your rear tire is likely the blowback oil from that leak. I've had the same problem. Did my gasket a year ago with no issues. Take care when dealing with the clutch to make sure everything is lined up and connected properly. Care should be taken in making sure the dowel pins on the front cover are in their proper spots. Also take a good look at the oil pump and pump chain for excess play, and clean the oil pump screen while you are in there. There are lots of good tips in the QR, and others will chime in.



I'll defer the coolant issue to others.



Joel in the Couve

 

[CXPHREAK]

Unless the coolant is actually coming from the weep hole signifying a mech. seal failure replacement of the 'O' ring on the chrome coolant pipe is a cheap simple repair.



Make sure the coolant pump inlet is clean and smooth witha scourer if neccessary and lube with silicon grease so that the new 'O' ring slips in easily.



Check very carefully the source of the leak as it is easy to confuse the 2 leaks as they both appear to come from much the same area.

 

[Dash]

CX/GL500's in decent repair will run all day long at 6000 rpm and higher.



The burning smell could be oil dripping on exhaust. Oil leak from the right side of the front engine cover is pretty common. If you don't fix it, you'll continually get oil on your right foot every time you ride. There's one section of the front cover where the bolts are slightly further apart and the gasket shrinks between them. As was already mentioned, gasket is available from Honda or ebay or you can make it yourself using gasket paper. You have to take the radiator off to get access to the front engine cover.



If the coolant leak is slight, I wouldn't worry about it. Check the coolant level at the radiator when motor is cold and make sure you're not losing a significant volume.

 

[Linny]

Hi Marshal, I currently have the front cover off my '81 custom awaiting new gaskets and oil seals for the clutch throwout and front cam. I had a similar leak. My oil pump chain had been hitting the clutch basket-got one of those coming too.

It took me about two hours to get the front cover off. I removed the radiator and shroud, clutch cable, temp sensor wire, and filter. The clutch cover came off with the front cover.

 

[DavidfromWisconsin]

Be sure not to lose the oil pressure orifice between the cover and engine. If you lose it your oil pressure will not be what it should be and you will be putting your engine in danger.

 

[bearman1]

I'm going to hazard a guess here. You said that you were riding it like "you were mad at it?" These motors were made to be ridden like that, fact is, they really don't START performing much BELOW 5k rpms, You may have noticed that as well.....lol



There is an inspection cover underneath the radiator (17mm) that has an O-ring as a gasket. Could be leaking there. There is a drain tube by the rear wheel that I THINK usedta be a clear plastic with a plug on the end of it. But, time has "yellowed" the one on my GL. This plug must be drained every now and again to "bleed-off" "engine-puke", or "blow-by" that condensates, and it must GO somewhere, that ESPECIALLY on older, and "less then optimally" maintained motors, that, maybe the hoses, and/or "puke tanks" get "restricted" over time? Thus, building up pressure INSIDE the crankcase, seeking a faster pressure relief than is offered, will tend to "blow out" at the weakest point, whether it be a gasket or O-ring. There's another inspection cover on top of the crankcase at the rear, just below where ya sit (also 17mm), that has an O-ring. Could be leaking there as well. If there's a drip er so after it has been sitting for awhile, chances are, this pressure has already broken the seal of the gasket, to a greater or lesser extent, and the Elvis, is leaving the building......ROFL



Hope this helps.