Oil leak

[Sunny Jim]

I have developed an oil leak over a period of time after replacing head gasket and RE assembling motor. I figured it was coming from O'rings in front head oil lines , but it appears to be coming from head gasket , until it gets really hot. If I let it idle to above 300*F , the leak appears to go away.
Would you retension the head OR replace head gasket?
Thanks!

[rigidthumper]

Did you use new head bolts when you reassembled? There have been numerous reports of re-used head bolts breaking.

[Sunny Jim]

Used SS head bolts. Followed the correct procedure as always!

[les]

How much would it cost you to crack loose and re-torque the head bolts?

[Sunny Jim]

Cometic gasket - I think I will re tension it.

[No Cents]

    just my opinion here...but if you have an oil leak coming thru a Cometic MLS head gasket re-torqueing it usually won't fix the leak. Once oil is introduced between the layers of the MLS gasket I consider them a trash can item and replace the head gasket. 

[Jaycee1964]

    just my opinion here...but if you have an oil leak coming thru a Cometic MLS head gasket re-torqueing it usually won't fix the leak. Once oil is introduced between the layers of the MLS gasket I consider them a trash can item and replace the head gasket.

[Sunny Jim]

Ripped it down and RE torqued the front head today!
Didn't ride it but ran it until it was up Around 280* F and NO Leak yet!!
So far so good!

[les]

Ripped it down and RE torqued the front head today!
Didn't ride it but ran it until it was up Around 280* F and NO Leak yet!!
So far so good!

Great, so that cost nothing.  If it ends up leaking then you can spend some additional money.  Good job on first taking the "I've got nothing to lose" route.  It might just be the fix, and if it ain't, you've lost nothing.

[flhxi2go]

This is why you should use ARP ultra torque on the head bolts

[Sunny Jim]

 Still leaking! No more short cuts! Head off.

[No Cents]

Still leaking! No more short cuts! Head off.

   
make sure you clean the head surface and cylinder top off real good with some brake cleaner and toss that leaking head gasket into the garbage can. Oil can never be introduced in between the layers of a MLS head gasket. If it happens...then the chances of it sealing is slim to none.
   Good luck...I hope it's no more than just a head gasket not sealing.

[Sunny Jim]

Thanks Ray!

[No Cents]

  you might want to check out the thread on "cylinder studs M8" in this section.
Bruce posted a good video on the M8's head bolts breaking because of improper torque techniques.
  I thought it was an interesting video that showed how the torque spec would change on a head bolt after it was torqued down to a certain spec. Then after the other three head bolts were torqued in proper sequence...the first head bolt would end up being at a different spec than the other three. The HD tech in the video suggests using S&S head bolts vs using the factory head bolts. Apparently the S&S head bolts are of a better quality.

[Sunny Jim]

 Yes Ray I checked it out! I am using the SS head bolts. Tman has a recent video on retensionibg head/ cylinder studs.
I am now In The process of a parts gathering exercise. Stay tuned.