Hi guys, My 10 plate 1098 SF with 13k on it started to show some milkyness in the oil, I hoped it wasn't the head/gasket and some research said it could be from doing short journeys. Bike was performing fine. However one morning it was reluctant to start and when it did it was quite ´lumpy´. It cleared within a mile and after my customary cup o' tea 20 miles later I set off home. Again the bike didn't want to start. When I got home I got off the bike to see puffs of white smoke coming out of the exhaust, one whiff and I could smell the coolant. So, bike at the shop, they stripped it down and replaced the head gasket and rebuilt it. On bleeding the cooling system they then noticed the pin hole leaking coolant, now that is annoying... My question is why wasn't the head tested when it was off the bike? The shop has said they couldn't do it because of the shape, surely that's not correct? It's crazy to have to reassemble an engine to test the head! The cost in man hours plus gaskets is ridiculous for it to be economical. Fair enough if they couldn't do it then send it away to be tested. So, I'm after advice please. Can the 1098 cylinder head be bench tested for leaks/cracks? Cheers Steve
it can be tested but it's the time and hence money involved in setting up a simulation rig to replicate running conditions that usually makes it a last resort, ditto Aston Martin V8 heads "back in the day" - was a right pita. Some companies would use a disclosing chemical in with water/lubricant but still took time and often not conclusive if tested cold. Chances are a search/someone on here might know a company that specializes in this
Well they spotted the leak before starting the engine. Cylinder heads can definitely be tested, why not this one? As far as I understand it all the cylinder head would need to be tested on the bench is a blanking system, a means to introduce pressure, shut the pressure off then see how long it holds on the gauge?
