Base Gasket Bubble
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 8
From: Montgomery, AL
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.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
and, enough of the bickering. Take it to PMs.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 3,070
From: Brighton, MI
The gasket dried out a little from sitting all winter. Warm it up before riding to let the cylinders "grow in length" from the heat.
It is a common problem with evos. Mine did the same thing when I first bought it used. I changed over to conventional oil and the problem went away (for now).
Replace the gaskets when you have the time, but it is not an urgent condition. YD
It is a common problem with evos. Mine did the same thing when I first bought it used. I changed over to conventional oil and the problem went away (for now).
Replace the gaskets when you have the time, but it is not an urgent condition. YD
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 121
Likes: 11
From: St. Louis, MO
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 " ................
I have 2 bikes manufactured in 84 and I guess the Shovels made in that year must look like the spitting image of an EVO. I hate it when that happens.
Last edited by Capo; Mar 15, 2014 at 02:44 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,131
Likes: 12,691
From: South Carolina
It does return (gravity) through a passageway that goes through the base gasket.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,131
Likes: 12,691
From: South Carolina
Apparently some sort of tough guy proclamation.
If ya got a beef with someone in a different thread or forum, leave it there, don`t be a troll.
The guy made a typo for cryin out loud...
The guy made a typo for cryin out loud...
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Mar 15, 2014 at 03:45 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,396
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Jeez you kids get it wadded up when somebody comes to your sandbox , now can we get back to the OP's leaking base gasket ?
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Mar 15, 2014 at 04:12 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 15
From: Senoia, Ga., by way of Miami, Fl..
I know if it were mine it would annoy the f' out me and I'd change the gaskets out. You said it has been weeping, so if weeping is ok with you than so be it. You can get it done without swapping rings also. You just have to be careful. Mileage will be the key if you need to do a ring swap and cylinder clean up. I've seen plenty that had to also put new cylinder head studs in for the cylinders due to thread pulling. Welcome.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
While you are absolutely correct, the one word of caution I must add is, just be prepared to go further if needed.. My simple cam and 10:1 project, this winter, has escalated into a search for the origin of magnetic metal flakes found in my piston faces, oil filter and lifter screen.... I would have never given it a thought if my cylinder wall was not scored.... So, my advise is, no matter how simple a project seems, prepare for the worst before beginning. Then, you'll be ecstatic at the best case scenario..
Either that or plan on doing a stage 2 on the heads and upping your compression while you are in there (complete with boring the jugs) and you won't care if you find little things!!!!
