Head Gasket

[cavie]

Does anybody know of a good Honda mechanic in Florida that can replace a head gasket in a Honda VTX 1300 and will guaranty it for more than 1 year??? Mine has been done twice. Since it is a trike, parting out is not and option.

 

[Future Triker]

In all honesty, you probably won't find anyone who will warranty something like that for any measurable period of time.. Too many "if's & unknowns for them to do that).

With you having the same problem more than once, I'd be more curious about the why & the cause for it. I don't know VTX's as well as some bikes, but know they're absolute powerhouse motorcycles. That being said, could the cylinder or head be slightly out of tolerance due to an overheating? If it's even a minute amount out, it could possibly be a contributing factor? (long story, but this is one reason I am NOT a fan of the Dodge 4.7 engine).

 

[cavie]

In all honesty, you probably won't find anyone who will warranty something like that for any measurable period of time.. Too many "if's & unknowns for them to do that).

With you having the same problem more than once, I'd be more curious about the why & the cause for it. I don't know VTX's as well as some bikes, but know they're absolute powerhouse motorcycles. That being said, could the cylinder or head be slightly out of tolerance due to an overheating? If it's even a minute amount out, it could possibly be a contributing factor? (long story, but this is one reason I am NOT a fan of the Dodge 4.7 engine).

I drive a 4.7 with 5 speed 2001 119,000 miles. 1300 vtx not so much. VTX blown at 20,000. now hs 34,000.


Bought blown. Temp gauge installed after 2nd rebuild. Intermittent fan found and replaced after 2nd rebuild. Fan temp switch replaced. Never over 230 degrees this time. Fan comes on at 212 off 208. No oil in the water. No water in the oil. Plugs fine. Last time old gasket showed evidence of exhaust going into water chamber. Water is not being sucked back into the cylinder. Front piston pressurizing water system filling overflow tank. Water pump working fine. New t-stat working fine. T-stat opening at 178 full open 185. New rad cap pressure tested working fine. Heads and cylinders honed properly. Local 45 year Honda dealer has never been into a VTX that far. Local independent shop is trained mechanic and knows what he is doing. (That is in question) He doesn't have a clue. Both times lasted one year almost to the day. Both times in December. Will try a new wrench this time. In storage until $$$ comes my way.

 

[Future Triker]

OUCH!!

That's a lot of work on a bike that's known to be fairly bulletproof! They use new studs or re-use the old ones? What about gasket too? They use a GOOD one, or a cheapy? Even built 1800's don't have that kind of trouble.. I'd say finding a qualified mechanic with real experience with that motor is probably the way to go.

As far as the dodge goes.. Don't let her overheat too bad.. 4.7's are "known" for warping the block with a good overheat (happened to one of mine). Blow a head gasket in a 4.7 and you're almost always looking @ a full engine rebuild as a result. I'm currently debating either parting my dodge out, or moving it to our big shop and pulling the drivetrain out.

 

[Sidecarbill]

Think I would go to a used engine. If 2 mechanics tried and failed and u bought it with this problem then I wouldn't throw anymore money at it.

 

[cavie]

Same mechanic both times. Yes, all new Honda OEM parts. New studs 2nd time. $1500 both times. I know 1 a year warranty isn't gonna happen but maybe a 90 day would go a long way to ease the pain that Preperation -H can't fix!!!! All I got the last two times was 30 days parts and labor. Used engine is a no go. Why buy the same or different problem. If I or someone knew the bike that was wrecked and could vouch for the engine, Maybe.

 

[mhgoldwing]

I'm betting you have a warped head. You stated this has happened twice, both in Dec. I think the problem is when really cold and you start the engine, the head gasket is not fully sealing and is blown at that time because the metal has pulled away in lower temps. I have clue as to the cheapest way to solve this: machine head or top of cyl.; purchase new head and gasket, etc.

Good luck.

 

[Sidecarbill]

Sorry its been mentioned that these engines are bulletproof. So I assumed yours 2 be an anomaly.

 

[3W-lonerider]

I'm betting you have a warped head. You stated this has happened twice, both in Dec. I think the problem is when really cold and you start the engine, the head gasket is not fully sealing and is blown at that time because the metal has pulled away in lower temps. I have clue as to the cheapest way to solve this: machine head or top of cyl.; purchase new head and gasket, etc.

Good luck.

i have to agree here. been working on engines for over 40 years now. and it defiantly sounds like a slightly warped head. i'm assuming the bike does'nt backfire threw that cyl, which would cause the head gasket to let loose to.
if it were mine and i was going to keep it and run it. i would replace the head, install new gasket and new studs.
i would also have the jug mic'ed to see if it might be warped to.