I have problems?

Okay so i'm having problems. My #1 cyl has been leaking a small ammount of oil from what appears to be the head gasket? area... Its not really a leak so much as it sweats out. Now I wasn't too concerned about this but i just realized that it's barely running on that cylinder as well. After it warms up completely i can full handedly grab the exhaust pipe and hold my hand on it. Now i assumed that was just from the oil leak because it did look as though it was fouling the plug and therefore probably wouldn't run on it, but it turns out that #3 is also running cooler than the rest, but a bit warmer than #1...

When i switch plugs nothing changes, #1 and #3 are instantly cold and #3 gets somewhat warm at an idle but #1 stays cold.

The plugs appear to be all in about the same condition, (not great, not bad), and they are all firing when grounded to the block.

Does anyone have any ideas about where to start diagnosing this? I think a compression test would be a good starting point but i don't have a compression tester... Any other ideas? Where would my oil be coming from, is it possible that it is the head gasket? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Okay, go to your local parts store and buy a compression tester. Autozone, Wal-Mart, etc sells them, and you'll have it when you need it later...

While you're there, get a set of feeler gauges so you can check your valve clearance. Make sure they have metric markings, try to get the angled set. If you get down to zero clearance, your valves won't close and you'll lose compression.

Since you're buying tools, might as well pick up a torque wrench and check that all your head bolts are within spec. Follow the pattern laid out in your factory service manual. You'll want that torque wrench to tighten down your cam caps after you adjust your valves.

You do have a factory service manual... right?

Post edited by: guitargeek, at: 2006/08/10 15:20

i to had a similar problems w/ my 77 650b-1 and was leaking oil from my exhaust manifold on #4 cyc.
i did everything you are doing to my dismay, nothing seemed to help me!

i cheacked compression, spark, ect all good... and i found my problems to be with the carbs!!!

after a week of not riding, i took the carbs off and re-cleaned them (yes agian) as last resort, before getting into the valves clearances and buying new gaskets. it turned out i had a small flake of old gas over the valve seat for the #4 cyclinder, thus not letting the gas throu to the carbs

i just cleaned them a few days before this and it ran fine, but i noticed a lack of power and oil on manifold.
it stumped me cause i just cleaned the carbs and i was very, very sure it was valves or other problems!

so i guess im trying to say be very, very, very sure carbs are clean and if you are sure, double cheak agian!!

sorry to rant-and-rave, just trying to save you riding-time