Is it worth it?

[rhyllen]

I have a 78 GL1000 that I got for $400 a few years ago. Most of the work I've done has been electrical, or something I could do without too much issue without a garage to work on it. However, I now run into the problem where I believe I have blown piston rings. At least based on what I can find online that's what I'm thinking. I was putting it back together after looking at the valves on the right side and noticed a good bit of oil in the air filter box. That combined with the compression issues I have point in that direction. Without a place to do the tear down, is it worth paying a shop to do it? Or should I sell the bike and get myself a newer Goldwing (something easier to source parts if needed)?

[Rambozo]

Have you done a cylinder leakage test? That would confirm bad rings.

[rhyllen]

Don't currently have a leak down tester, and I just found a way to check the valves without it last night so I hadn't done that yet. I read the compression could be valves or rings, but when I found 1/4 cup of oil (not exaggerating) in the air filter box everything I read said it was the rings.

When I got a quote for just the valves, excluding parts as they can't get them, it was $1,300. That was has me hesitant.

[winguyjo]

absolutely a dead loss to pay a shop to overhaul one of these engines ... the bearings are not available anyhow. on these engines, the rings tend to stick if the bike sits unused for a long time. i would see if i can get the engine running, which usually frees the rings up in short order. if you determine that the engine does need a rebuild, just buy a used engine or an entire parts bike.

[rhyllen]

That's kind of where I was leaning, but I don't really have the space to do an engine swap. I'll probably sell it to someone who does and buy a newer wing. Thanks

[ObiJohn]

Before I'd give up on one of these engines, if I thought the rings were stuck into the piston grooves and causing excessive blow-by or oil infiltration into the cylinder, I'd pull the plugs and put a little Seafoam in each cylinder. Put the bike up on the center stand first. Let it soak overnight, put a little more in, spin the engine again. Do this for a couple of days, then drain and refill the oil, and put 3 oz of Seafoam in the oil. Put the plugs in, start the bike. It will smoke for a bit until the Seafoam in the cylinders is completely burned up. Then, take it for a calm ride but run up to 4500-5000 rpm in a few of the gears. If the rings were stuck, this should unstick them. If not, you have bigger problems.

How many miles do you have on your engine?