I just puchead a 01 DS650 a few day ago and started noticeing oil on the crank case right below the base gasket of the cylinder head . I cleand the oil off and took another ride , and there was oil right back in the same spot. Could the back side of of the base gasket be leaking. Is this a common problem on Ds?

 

I am still new to the ds650 but my input would be to start checking the torque on the head bolts. I really do not think that it is normal for this to happen. I have not read of any problems with that on this site. Hope this helps.

 

Has this bike had a head gasket replaced before you bought it? If so you need to replace the nuts and install new gaskets. It's probably gonna be expensive to have someone do it, I can tell ya from experience, it will be a lot of work to do yourself if you have never done engine work before.

 

How bad are they to do a top end rebuild on? I was thinking of dong a High Compression piston and cam any was so now i have a reason to do it sooner! Any site with tips on rebuilding?

 

This has alot of info on it. Eaglecollector has it in his signature. Hope it helps ya out

Do it yourself DS650

 

you will want to change the rings at least while it is apart. if this is a bike that YOU would like to do all the work to, you NEED to get a service manual. the manual that i bought($80.00) was worth every penny. it is very detailed. a top end is not that big of a deal if you take your time. if all you do is a high compression piston and gaskets you can do it yourself for around $350.00. you will need a couple of special tools which are listed in the service manual. its all just nuts & bolts. i was "scared" the first time i took mine down. i just finnished the 3rd tear down and no problems. you may want to do what cynick said and replace the nuts & retorque first before you tear into it. it might save you some $$$$$$$.