Headgasket Leak?

[ktmhk53]

Greetings,

I've just noticed what I think is a headgasket leak on my '99 Tiger. The right, rear corner of the headgasket was moist, but not dripping, prior to startup, but after being wiped dry and a 20 minute ride, no longer appeared to be leaking. As the amount was so small, it was difficult to tell if the liquid was oil or coolant.

Is this a common/acceptable trait of these engines, can the outer head-cylinder bolts simply be tightened slightly, or does the headgasket need to be replaced?

The engine oil looks OK, and a look in the overflow tank reveals a "brown" surface scum, but I've not checked below it to see if the coolant is clear.



Thanks for your help.   :D



ktmhk53

[barjan]

search and you'll find loads of info

Never seen scum in the coolant tank, only a dropped coolant level.[/url]

[Kill Switch]

My '99 does this when the temp is below 40F then goes away after warm up.  Never does it in warm weather.