Bob,
Well, that's not conclusive. Yes, that's the head gasket line, but the oil
leak could come from the little cap under the pipe which wouldn't be
serious. Also, on that side of the cylinder is the cam chain cavity, and
the head gasket could be leaking oil right there without leaking
compression (more likely based on the oil pattern). A nuisance, but not
serious. I have a small oil leak between my cylinders, either where the
case halves come together or at the base of the rear cylinder (I can't
tell) which is in the same category - a nuisance. From the pic it doesn't
look like it just blew that mess out, it looks like accumulated dirt from
some time and exposure. However, it could be a clue that the head gasket
is not right. That reminds me - if the compression portion of the head
gasket did blow, it's possible it blew on that same side into the crankcase
rather than to the outside which would make pinpointing more difficult. At
any rate, start with compression check and the hose-to-ear test.
Why did it happen? Why is the sky blue? These are usually very reliable
bikes, but stuff happens. It just stinks when it happens to you! I dunno
if sitting around is hard on head gaskets, but I wouldn't think so because
it's a metal gasket. You said it seemed warm - if your carbs are stock and
clean and its running well, then it's probably not overheating, although if
it did that could warp the head. That's difficult to determine with an
air-cooled bike. There are oil-temp gages available. Riding mine, I don't
feel much heat from the engine as long as I'm moving because it blows
behind me. When stopped in traffic, though, I cook on it. I will actually
shut down the engine if it's hot out and I'm sitting thru a long cycle.
Repairing it isn't that bad. You should be able to leave the cylinder on.
Pulling the engine isn't bad, it's almost easier than pulling the carbs :
) Head removal is easy.
Jeremy
I think I found other evidence:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7271486@N06/sets/72157601270224427/
But I'll confirm it the way you described.
Now the question is: why did it happen? After being stored for 10
years, I bought it (non-starting) in March with 18000+ miles. After I
got the carbs cleaned out and a couple more repairs done, mainly an
eBay fuel pump controller and forks, it rode great for ~1000 miles.
This is my first >250cc bike and it seemed pretty warm as I was riding
it, but I didn't have anything to compare it to.
I guess I might find the culprit as I disassemble it.
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