Base Gasket Bubble
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 36
From: Houston, TX
I've only changed around a hundred or so evo base & head gaskets since they came out in 85 , no I wouldn't know anything about them or someone else not knowing what they are advising others on . It's blowing oil bubbles around the base it isn't " trapped air from sitting " ................
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,396
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Op you've got a blow base gasket at minimum happens on the evo's it's common no thing if the cylinder stud hasn't pulled loose in the cases which is worst case but does happen . Get a shop's opinion before you judge advice in here if your unsure .
The rest of you boys can pound it sideways .
The rest of you boys can pound it sideways .
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 794
Likes: 1
From: Alvin TX
ieatchickens Not to much to worry about right now ,But it is a weep in the base gasket , I have seen them reseal & I have seen them keep on weeping & get a bit worst , Just let her warm up good before you hit the throttle good , Mines been weeping for a couple years now about like yours I'll fix it when the oil start hitting the ground ,& as to fixing it you have to take the whole top end off , Like said above not hard , but time & tools & service manual & parts manual will help a lot
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 619
From: North Dakota & Minnesota
I appreciate all the comments. The weeping didn't bother me but the bubbling is another thing. I will keep an eye on it and if gets worse I may need to take it to my local indy.
Pretty sure it's full of dino oil since I picked it up at a dealer last spring. So I can't blame the synthetic stuff.
Pretty sure it's full of dino oil since I picked it up at a dealer last spring. So I can't blame the synthetic stuff.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 15
From: Senoia, Ga., by way of Miami, Fl..
I appreciate all the comments. The weeping didn't bother me but the bubbling is another thing. I will keep an eye on it and if gets worse I may need to take it to my local indy.
Pretty sure it's full of dino oil since I picked it up at a dealer last spring. So I can't blame the synthetic stuff.
Pretty sure it's full of dino oil since I picked it up at a dealer last spring. So I can't blame the synthetic stuff.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: North Myrtle Beach, SC
Ooooo Kaaay...
One of my Evo's blows Bubbles. Hell I though it was cute. 'Cept mine is blowing little bitty bubbles. Bubbles is Bubbles to me. Air in the oil? I have to admit I though that was humorous too. As we all know, the base gaskets are leaking. Mine doesn't leak enough to drip (I don't think). The kicker is the location of the bubbles... it's away from the oil feed so, it's pressure from the bottom end (and not oil pressure). It's on the Bob-ster so I don't care.
One of my Evo's blows Bubbles. Hell I though it was cute. 'Cept mine is blowing little bitty bubbles. Bubbles is Bubbles to me. Air in the oil? I have to admit I though that was humorous too. As we all know, the base gaskets are leaking. Mine doesn't leak enough to drip (I don't think). The kicker is the location of the bubbles... it's away from the oil feed so, it's pressure from the bottom end (and not oil pressure). It's on the Bob-ster so I don't care.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
From: Broomall
First time to start up the bike this year since the weather is finally cooperating. While letting my old girl warm up a bit I noticed my base gaskets blowing some bubbles. She has always weeped a bit but this is the first time I have noticed the bubbling.
My question is how serious is this and how hard is this to fix? Haven't wrenched much so taking it a shop may be an option.
My question is how serious is this and how hard is this to fix? Haven't wrenched much so taking it a shop may be an option.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 384
From: SoCal hi desert
if you aren't familiar with working on engines you should do a **** ton of research and advice-seeking before you tear into it. Lots of little things can go wrong like dropping piston circlips in the case, fking up a ring putting the cylinders back on, mixing up the pushrods, etc. Despite the flack on here some of these guys know their stuff and will share if you ask. TW'zd and Spanners have helped me on a few issues don't be afraid to ask.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,129
Likes: 12,691
From: South Carolina
You live in North Dakota, it is March. Hell, it is still freezing in New England.
Sometimes a base gasket can weep for a long time, but sometimes they get messy in a hurry.
Murphy`s law says it will be fine until you are into riding season...
Since it is not summer yet, you have plenty of time. Pull the jug off and have your machinist true the bottom surface and re assemble. James, Cometic or OEM gaskets. Follow the torque procedure supplied with the gaskets, or the service manual if you use OEM gaskets.
If you do the job yourself, follow the service manual, pay special attention to the process for removing/installing the lower rocker supports and pushrods.
Lots of guys here can talk you through the process if you decide to do it yourself, even when we are arguing...
Sometimes a base gasket can weep for a long time, but sometimes they get messy in a hurry.
Murphy`s law says it will be fine until you are into riding season...
Since it is not summer yet, you have plenty of time. Pull the jug off and have your machinist true the bottom surface and re assemble. James, Cometic or OEM gaskets. Follow the torque procedure supplied with the gaskets, or the service manual if you use OEM gaskets.
If you do the job yourself, follow the service manual, pay special attention to the process for removing/installing the lower rocker supports and pushrods.
Lots of guys here can talk you through the process if you decide to do it yourself, even when we are arguing...
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Mar 15, 2014 at 10:37 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,396
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
All I know, is I grew up around the Red and Gold nation, and I wouldn't go on the internet proclaiming that I kicked 2 PH's asses like the twizted man here... that chit has a way of getting back to you... but anyways, SYLB and I can't wait to be back in my home state!
Can air get trapped in a motor like that though? I wouldn't think so if the motor is breathing properly, and if it wasn't it would be finding a place to breathe, like a weeping base gasket causing it to bubble. So much to learn, and so little time on this rotating mud ball.
Can air get trapped in a motor like that though? I wouldn't think so if the motor is breathing properly, and if it wasn't it would be finding a place to breathe, like a weeping base gasket causing it to bubble. So much to learn, and so little time on this rotating mud ball.
And just to clear the air in here a bit all I ever said is a pair jumped me and didn't manage to kick mine I held my own , you hunter are the one turning that all around so fugging drop it tool or get the story straight I don't care which .
