ZX-4 G Head Gasket

[Pocket_Rocket]

Hi Guys

I recently purchased a ZX-4G as something to tinker with & have a bit of a laugh on when finished ( didnt fancey a bigger bike after owning 2 gamma 250's in the early 90's I know how much fun can be had )
After much spannering, spraying, cleaning & swearing the ZX4 is all ready for the MOT, or so I thought..... I gave it a quick run up & let it idle for a while it was only then that I noticed a small amount of steam comming out of the exhaust & a creamy glaze over the oil inspection window, after removing the oil cap there is a little amount of cream on top of the oil, it does smell of exhaust ( sweet smell ), then I got a lump in my throat...... bloody head gaskets gone.
I didnt notice any water overflowing but then again it was only running for about 15 mins. The guy I bought it off said it had been standing for a year so I dont know when it had an oil change last, Is it worth changing the oil & seeing if it creams up again or just drop the engine & pull it apart???

I fancey having a go at the gasket myself if its gone, do the cams have to be removed or can you move the chain & get the lot off at once??

Regards

Dave

[RedexRobB]

Its normal for the cap to get a bit creamy, and for the window to mist up aswell. It probably just needs a nice long run to clear the inspection window.

Best way to tell if the HG has gone is to do a compression test. As far as i know it just a case of taking the chain off then the head, dont need to have the cams out

[Pocket_Rocket]

Thanks for that will get a compression tester tomorrow

[zimm]

its cams out if the head's coming off ..

but tbh, if its been stood for a while it might be fine after a few miles, give it a good run and if it doesnt blow all the coolant out its probably fine

[masterofinsanity]

probably condensation if its been stood ages, if it was me i'd change the oil and go from there.

[Pocket_Rocket]

Just a quick update, did a compression test this afternoon, all 4 gave readings just above 150 plus no signs of water escaping even when the enigne was hot + no bubbles when the rad cap was off........ (sigh of relief ) looks like an oil & filter change will do the trick.

Thanks for all the advise

Cheers

Dave