Oil leak possibly coming from head gasket and looking to possibly fix it

[nwool05]

I have a 1982 CB750C that my dad passed down to me. This bike runs, sounds, and feels great, but unfortunately, it has an oil leak on the front of the motor. To my knowledge, at least, the engine has never been taken apart, and for the most part, a lot of the bike is still factory. I think it's the head gasket, and if it is, what would the procedure be to fix it? I know I'll have to pull the motor, but what will I need to do and buy to fix it? Also, will I need to be worried about the frame flexing after removing the motor, as I've heard that this can be an issue for some bikes? I attached a picture of what the front of my engine looks like.

 

[mrtwowheel]

Right in the center of your grungy area is the camshaft chain adjuster. I would suspect that wafer type plug first. Those plugs are a known leaker. I've even seen people riding grungy bikes with that plug not there at all. Find a parts fiche and you will see that plug, don't remove it unless you have a new plug to see how it is designed. If I remember right it is just tapped in like a seal would be. Also, it's a good move to remove the valve cover and retorque the head bolts before going after the head gasket, worked for me many times on many bikes. If you retorque the head bolts you should also check the valve clearances and shims. Hope this helps. I would bet on that plug leaking, or maybe the adjuster bolt needs some Teflon tape on it.

Edit, Diesel or mineral spirits with a broom type brush and a tub underneath it would be my first go-to on that grunge.

 

[nwool05]

I'll be sure to look into that, thank you. Aside from the missing side panels to cover up the electrical, this leak is the biggest thing that I bothering me cosmetically and for reliability sake.

 

[mrtwowheel]

Supposedly small leak and no side cover? I've seen people ride a lot worse, for many miles.

 

[mrtwowheel]

Reproduction side panels are available on ebay, used to be $50, got to be more now. They are nice ABS plastic, but need paint.

 

[nwool05]

They are significantly more. On Amazon to order the side panels with CB750 Custom logo is 120 and off of Vintage 750 it's 88 without the logo. Pretty stupid for some plastic and a badge.

 

[mrtwowheel]

They are significantly more. On Amazon to order the side panels with CB750 Custom logo is 120 and off of Vintage 750 it's 88 without the logo. Pretty stupid for some plastic and a badge.

That's a reasonable price without the badge. Considering the right side (the most looked for) was going for $300+ with no
emblems, cracks, broken fasteners and bad paint, usually painted like crap, and that was years ago.

Can I get a witness? If you have a cover at all, guard it. people steal them.

 

[nwool05]

I meant to ask this yesterday. If I do remove the bolt, will I be able to put it back normally or will I have to do some chain adjustment?

 

[mrtwowheel]

I meant to ask this yesterday. If I do remove the bolt, will I be able to put it back normally or will I have to do some chain adjustment?

When you remove the bolt the adjuster will stay in the same position until you put it back in, then it's a good time to adjust the cam chain per manual.