Fresh oil on engine - am I looking for a gasket..?

Okay, today I blasted to work and had an awesome time of it. The bike was purring (after quickly warming) and I was in a riding mood. When I got off I noticed what looked like fresh oil below the head on the fins of the engine.

I guess I assumed that losing a head gasket would cause the bike to sound/feel different.

I haven't spilled any oil on her and everything seems fine - not even enough to drip on the floor.

Any of you XJ gurus help me sleep tonight?

Thanks again!

 

First thing to do is determine exactly where the oil is coming from. The valve covers on these bikes are known for leaking. See if any oil is above the headgasket line. See if there is any around the oil filter casing. You may have to spray a degreaser on the engine and hose it off. Then ride a little and check for oil. Another way to be sure is to spray athelets foot spray on the head after degreasing. It will show the oil source more readily.
Mine turned out to be the headgasket and no the bike doesn't run poorly from it. The cylinders are not leaking just the outer portion of the gasket. I removed my head and handed it over to a machinist so he can check it for warpage. If it comes back ok then I will reinstall the head with a new gasket and orings and further seal the outer portion of the gasket with high temp sealant. I must mention that this first happened last year. I remove the head over the winter and installed a new head gasket. Didn't leak for a known 1100 miles and then started again. So now I will check for warpage just to be sure but expect it to be good. I think all it needs is a little extra sealant like the old British bikes did. Even the old Honda's needed some.
If you determine the headgasket is the source you can check the torque on your cap bolts. Most likely won't do it but it is worth a try. Torque is 21.3 ftlbs.

 

Outstanding Blue - Thanks for the reply.

I wasn't too worked up, but when things are going well I start to expect the worst.

I'll clean and ride and pay closer attention to where it's coming from.

 

Looks like the valve covers.

Now tell me (please) why the athletes foot spray is a help - or are you just messing with me..? ;' )

 

LOL! No I'm not messing with you. Oil against a metal engine block is hard to see. But the foot spray will leave a light coat of powder on the block and the oil will be readily seen when it wets the powder. If it is the valve cover then I would remove it add some RTV by permatex to it and button her back up. Works for me everytime.

 

Roger Wilco - back to AutoZone for me!

I just bought some seafoam and added it to the tank for the first time.

Still waiting for the lights to get brighter and the paint to get nicer...