Replacement "Cross-Pipe"

[NuAngel]

Hey there... I'm not the most handy person in the world, so I made the bold decision that I wanted to learn more and turn wrenches on an older bike. So I picked up a 1985 GL1200 Limited with just 51,500 miles on it.

Here's the thing, as I was doing the title transfer, registration, and initial state inspection, my local mechanic (who inspects but "doesn't work on bikes"). Well, he told me that I have a leak in my "cross pipe."

I've searched OEM Parts Lists and diagrams and there's nothing with that name... uhh, when I look at what I THINK he might have been talking about, I'm coming up with MUFFLER, EX. 18300-ML8-751 (formerly 18300-MG9-951, I think?).

Finding this is going to be difficult, so I guess my journey of learning begins now... but the first question I have is: am I even looking for the right part??

[Bike...and Dennis]

Hard to tell since Honda's parts fiche doesn't show the crossover.
At any rate, you'll need to find someone, like at a muffler shop, who can look under the bike and figure out a fix or patch.

[WingAdmin]

Most likely he's talking about the coolant crossover pipe that delivers coolant to the heads. They have seals and the seals can begin to leak, causing coolant to drip onto the top of the engine.

Coolant crossover pipe

[NuAngel]

Thank you. I tried to get him to clarify but he hasn't responded... I should see him again next week, so maybe I can talk to him then.

It still seems likely we'll have to fashion our own patch, though. Thanks for the heads up!!

[Bike...and Dennis]

It should be pretty easy to see if it's leaking from the coolant tube.
You can get on the ground and look for rust, or holes, in the exhaust cross over.

[WingAdmin]

The #1 way to know your crossover is leaking is the presence of coolant (or coolant stains) on the top of the engine.

[Bike...and Dennis]

No response from Nu Angel? I would have liked to know what he came up with.