Topic: cb 550 leaks

[phil71]

I just replaced every gasket above the cases. Previously, the bike bled like it was in a knife fight. Now, i've got some dripping from the left cam cover. I know it's the crush washer on the downward facing bolt that holds the bracket for the cam cover.. the thing is, the fiche is very vague. Are both washers crush washers, or just the lower?
  Also, it seems like it is still be weeping from the left oil gallery, where the o-ring is, but I was METICULOUS in it's reassembly, even retorqued head bolts after running awhile. The castings looked good, mating surfaces were f'n SPOTLESS.. so I don't know why this would be .
  The thing that's most troubling is, that the side that still leaks, while slowly, is the same place where it leaked the worst before I went thru this. Any experiences you can share would be appreciated. If i gotta take it apart again, I'd love some tips before I do.
Thanks!

[goldarrow]

Try different oring size on the side cam covers.  That did the trick for me.

[dave500]

put a copper one top and bottom,make sure the angle bracket isnt burred and is square.

[Duanob]

Head gasket weep: Use copper gasket spray the next time you replace the head gasket. Worked for me. I used the OEM o-rings.

[phil71]

Ok.. Duane, that's good advice. now i think i have a different problem. The cam tower leak is sussed out. There's a bigger problem. If you look at this picture, you'll see the leak. It actually appears to be leaking ABOVE the gasket surface.
 
  At first glance, I thought it was the front loop in the head gasket, but I don't believe there's any oil under pressure there. 
    I hadn't given it much thought before, but there's one bolt in the exhaust where the rest are studs. Is it possible whatever event got the stud snapped or drilled out hit an artery? There's oil ON the exhaust bolt, and then it's pooling below. The rate of leak makes me think it's a return rather than a pressure feed.
Any ideas?

[dave500]

that point you show in the pic is only splashed heavily with oil,its not under any real pressure,those front and rear 6mm bolts on these should only be nipped down with a strangled short wrench,never torqued as per specs!oil leaks on bikes can be hard to pin point with all the wind blowing every which way around,none of the exhaust studs go into oil pressure,one tip though,,i use a little hardening type compound on those peaks on the head gasket that are crushed down by those two 6mm bolts front and rear that should only be hand tightened.

[bryanj]

Did you put new rubber pucks, with sealant on the edge, between the cam cover and head?

[phil71]

Wait, no.. the kit didn't come with it.

[bryanj]

Theres your leak then mate

[phil71]

sonofa... you're right. Thanks everyone!