Topic: 1973 CB500 Four Cylinder head cover leaking

[vietng]

Hi all,
I'm a newbie here. Been reading and learning from this forum for a while but 1st time poster.

I have a 73 CB500 (K2) Four which got its motor completely restored about 1.5 years ago. For a while, I have noticed that a cover on the Cylinder head section (please see attached photo) leaks. I can definitely say the issue is getting worse (from the last ride). From your experience, what could be the issue here and do I need to remove the head cover to get it fixed? From reading the manual and part diagram on bikebandit, it could be the gasket around that area but again I am not sure.

Thanks guys.

[Scott S]

 See the two "ears" on either side of that cover? If you remove the screw in the center and pull the cover, you will find two O-rings on those ears. Replace the O-rings.
 There's also an L shaped bracket that bolts to the head...that's where the center screw goes. There's a tiny bit of adjustment on it. Make sure the "ears" are getting seated fully.
 Should be a simple fix.

[vietng]

Thanks a lot Scott. I will try it over the next weekend and report .

[Little_Phil]

The other area that can leak (apart from the seal all around the cam cover) is around the little L shaped bracket that Scott mentioned. There is an aluminium (I think) washer under the L bracket. This is to stop oil coming up the shaft of the bolt that holds the bracket in place. If the cam cover has been removed in the past this may have failed. Avoid the temptation to just keep on tightening this bolt as the thread is easy to strip in the head.

[vietng]

Thanks Phil. Im ordering the parts and hopefully can attempt the fix next week.

[dave500]

i use copper washers under those ears,you need one under the bolt head and under the ear,i get copper washers and o rings from a diesel pump and injector repair place,they have all the odd ball stuff.