So I'm to the point now in my project 2005 gs500 rebuild where the bike is finally running and the engine can show off all it's negatives.  It eats oil like nothing I've ever seen before and leaks oil from either just the oil filter cap or also the oil pan in front... and it has a new o-ring for the oil filter cap that was just installed with the oil change. I drained the oil again and it looks horribly dirty for oil that's only 3 days old, not to mention it didn't even touch the oil check stick anymore since it burnt away so much.  White smoke pours out of the exhaust and it has an exhaust leak on the right cylinder exhaust port.   

So... I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for someone who understands how the engine works and all it's parts... but has never actually taken one apart before.

By the way, can I post pictures from my hard drive, or do I need to post them on a website first?

Very few engines are easier to rebuild than this one. I would guess your valve seals are also leaking, which would be the hardest part, in my opinion. But with some patience and ingenuity a novice can do it.

You will have to upload your pics to an image host.

Thanks Paulcet. Here she is, broken down and battered by the previous owners. But I'll have her lookin like she just came off the showroom floor after I'm done with her! New custom paint job, plastics repaired, and a stereo system to list a few. I have the fairings off right now, and the rear stickers because they were faded bad. They were going to have to come off anyways.

Go naked! Cheaper! Lol. Are those oil puddles yours too? Looks like a full engine gasket kit, rings, quick hone, and throw it back together. Just a top end job really. Uber simple. Good luck with everything and don't be afraid to dive in. with pics of course we'll help ya out.

It sounds like the motor may have serious problems. Almost always, it's cheaper/easier/faster to buy a used motor and plug it in than it is to rebuild one. So if the goal is to get the bike on the road quickly and cost effectively, that's the way to go.
However, if you're viewing this from the cool project/learning experience point of view, then by all means pull the head and see what's up in there.
Or do both, buy a motor and get the bike on the road, and then go through the old motor as time and money allow. You'll definitely learn a lot.

I came out cheaper buying a used crank, rods etc on mine. When I purchased mine as a basket case it had a spun rod bearing. $50 for used crank shipped, $30 for a set of rods with perfect bearings, $7 for a can of copper spray a gasket (cleaned and re used head and base gaskets with coating) and a few hours time. No oil leaks for almost 1k miles. I looked for a used engine. Too much for me lol. It really depends on what you want to do though, like rich said.

+1 on valve seals if and is pouring out smoke.  Might as well tear it down and put in new valve seals, piston rings, and engine gaskets while you are at it.  There is a really good top end rebuild video posted here by BaltimoreGS.  Just search for it.

That is, if you are interested in doing your own rebuild.

Quote from: bombsquad83 on April 15, 2012, 06:09:26 AM
+1 on valve seals if and is pouring out smoke.  Might as well tear it down and put in new valve seals, piston rings, and engine gaskets while you are at it.  There is a really good top end rebuild video posted here by BaltimoreGS.  Just search for it.

That is, if you are interested in doing your own rebuild.

bad valve seals will only cause smoking on startup after sitting for extended periods of time. Mine needs valve seals. Smokes in the morning for a few minutes(alot), no smoking while riding at all. Then after work or sitting for a few hours the oil has a chance to weep past the old seals and it smokes for a few. Never while riding though and oil consumption is minimal.