| Author | Message | ||
     Ackme |
I have an 02 M2L with about 5300 miles in need of a rear head gasket. I was sitting in traffic, about a mile behind a wreck and traffic wasn't moving in 103 degree Texas weather. The bike started to smoke. There was a little oil seepage coming from the right side of the rear head near the top. The shop says its about 4-6 hours labor, about $300 plus parts. How hard is this? I have a service manual, and am somewhat mechanically inclined but I've not worked on bikes. Most of my experience is replacing water pumps, thermostats, belts, hoses, and general maintenance on cars and trucks. Would anyone know the part number for the rear head gasket? Any advice would be welcome. I am willing to dig in and do this right. Money is tight and I need to save where I can. Many, many thanks in advance. (Message edited by Ackme on July 29, 2008) | ||
| Ackme |
I may have found my own answers in the KV. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/315559.html?1195491213 | ||
| Zenfrogmaster |
Are you sure it's the head gasket and not the rocker cover? I've had both fail, and only the rocker cover failure leaked enough to smoke. My front cylinder head gasket has been weeping for many miles with no smoke. If you just have to do the rocker covers (common), it's easy with the exception of one allen bolt on the rear that requires a cut-down wrench to clear the frame. If it's the head gasket, you'll also be doing the rocker cover gaskets, and should do the base gasket. Let's hope it's just the rocker gasket... | ||
| Ackme |
No, I am not sure it is the head gasket. I can check it while I'm there. Thanks. I ordered a base gasket and head gasket. What else should I replace while I'm in there? | ||
| Brinnutz |
Hmm... Be more specific by, top of the head. You sure it wasn't the Rocker cover gasket? Those are way more prone to blowing than the head gaskets.. BTW, I have a parts manual for the 2002 M2.. PM me and I'll give you my number so you can call me and we'll talk. (Message edited by brinnutz on July 29, 2008) | ||
| Ackme |
Here are some pictures of the rear head. http://picasaweb.google.com/ajjfbennett/Buell I hope this helps. I'll send you a PM when I get home. gotta head out for a bit. (Message edited by Ackme on July 30, 2008) | ||
| Mick |
looks like a rocker box leak to me,no oil below the head gasket. and you can see oil on the base of the rocker cover. (Message edited by mick on July 30, 2008) | ||
| Brinnutz |
Yup...pretty sure its a rocker box leak. If you're doing the rear, might as well replace the front. The problem with those it's only a matter of time before they fail. The stock rocker box gaskets were paper, and the updated gasket is rubber coated steel I believe. There is no point in doing the work twice when you can kill two birds with one stone. Trust me...words of advice on replacing both at once instead of just one. =) | ||
| Ackme |
Thank you gents. I'll get both at the same time. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
It's a rocker for sure. Have fun removing the old paper gaskets! Make sure you use a torque wrench and use the proper tightening sequence. It's all in the service manual. Do it right, once... Brad | ||
| Ackme |
I swapped out both front and rear rocker gaskets over the weekend. The rear seems fine now. Unfortunately, now the front rocker box is seeping oil. I must have crimped a gasket. The torque settings in the manual were not particularly clear. It lists settings for rocker bolts to head but doesn't list them as such in the diagram. There are 4 black bolts (1/2") and 3 silver bolts (11mm). Both going through the bottom rocker plate into the head. I am not going to have time to re-do this until the weekend. | ||
| Prairie2010 |
Ackme, just curious if you had to drop the engine to replace the gaskets? I have a leak in the rear cylinder rocker covers. The service manual seems to say it's required. I live in an apartment, so dropping the engine isn't real convenient. If I can get away without having to drop it, I will. | ||
| Dreadnaught1 |
No, replacing the rocker box gaskets is about an hour job. You need a 3/16 allen, sometimes cut down to clear tube. Remove the has tank, remove the covers, clean area, replace gaskets, reinstall covers, torque to specs, reassemble. Done.. Check allens in about 100 miles for loosening again. | ||
| Ackme |
I didn't have to pull the engine. I did have to cut down the 3/16" allen wrench, as Dreadnaught1 said, to fit between the screw and the tube frame on the lower right screw. Good luck. It wasn't nearly as hard as I expected. | ||
| Prairie2010 |
Awesome! Thanks for the info guys. That definitely gives me peace of mind. Hopefully Sunday will be dry here. |
