Goldwing GL1200 Head Gasket Replacement, Combustion Leak Test, DIY Head Resurfacing

The 1985 Honda Goldwing GL1200 Interstate provide me another opportunity to bring you guys along on the diagnosis, and replacement of the head Gasket. in this video we progress past the radiator, Timing Belts, and Valve Covers to remove the 40 year old heads. I find a special trick to remove the heads from the engine block and use a glass sanding technique to deck the heads and prepare them for installation. a few red herrings show up along the way but we progress through the smoke and get the old aluminum block Goldwing back on the road for hopefully thousands of more miles.
00:00 - INTRO
01:00 - Recovery
02:00 - Combustion Leak Test
03:30 - Disassembly
10:00 - Head Removal
12:00 - Head Gasket, Piston, Cylinder Review
14:06 - Athena Top End Kit Review
15:15 - Head Gasket Removal
16:40 - Head Resurfacing / Glass Sanding
17:45 - Installation Prep
20:10 - Head Gasket Installation
21:45 - Re-Assembly
26:30 - straight headers
27:40 OUTRO

[@curtisstevenson1865]

Thanks to you I was able to put my rear wheel on my bike. Hopefully I don’t have to do this job but if I have to, I know you’re a great resource.

[@stevenmetzger2613]

Thanks Curtis. I appreciate it. Keep winging bratha.

[@malone-np3ip]

Your got a good boy there so lovely .❤

[@stevensapyak7971]

7.1.24. ⚠️Just a heads up if you don’t know already… The four-cylinder Goldwing’s have issues with their stators burning up, and that entails actually pulling the engine to pull the rear cover off.☝🏼

[@stevenmetzger2613]

I am aware, mine has the "fix" completed ( elimination of the clip and the three wires soldered together) on it and I haven't had any problems yet. Im aware of the po-boy alternator, but I ran across a photo of someone who mounted the alternator directly to the cam shaft with it mounted to the front of the valve cover, no pully needed. it looked pretty cool and I would need to do some more research but I think I would go that route if the stator goes out.

[@TheFlash-cat]

Consider re torquing the head after a heat cycle, the aftermarket and current honda gaskets seem very compressible ( compared to the original asbestos honda ones).

[@stevenmetzger2613]

That’s a good point flash. I’ll probably do this as part of my update on how the repair is holding up. With the torque wrench I have I should be able to see if they start turning before the 40lbs I set them to.