Replacing the Head Gasket

Posted by Griffin on
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Replacing-the-Head-Gasket-tp4059905.html

I think I need to replace my head gasket. When the bike was warming up I saw a puff of exhaust come out of the side of the engine. You can see by this picture it's been happening for awhile.


Question before I get into this and pull the motor. 1980 cb750k with 31776 miles.

I've never broken down a motorcycle engine so this is pretty intimidating. I have the shop manual and a Clymer to reference. Is this something a first timer should do on his own? I did do it on a single cylinder lawn tractor once. Can I just replace the single head gasket or are there more gaskets I should do? Do I need to have any machineing done in case of warping?  Does anyone have a link to a gasket they previously purchased for a DOHC that is working for them?

Thanks in advance, what I might need the most is confidence.

Am I better off dropping the engine off at a shop?