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Offline torrinh

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valve cover removal
« on: February 17, 2009, 11:17:53 AM »
I haven't had to do this yet, but my valve cover gasket is leaking a little bit and I'm wondering if it's possible to remove the valve cover without taking the engine out of the frame? I just did this on my DOHC 1983 Kawasaki GPZ 750 and it was pretty easy, but it looks like I may have more clearance on that bike.
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1983 Kawasaki GPZ 750
1978 Honda CB750K w/ 1976 CB750F1 motor
1979 Suzuki GS550L

Offline Gordon

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2009, 11:20:41 AM »
750 manual trans = NO

All other sohc4's = YES
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Offline torrinh

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2009, 11:23:49 AM »
so no go on my 1978 CB750K, I guess?
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1983 Kawasaki GPZ 750
1978 Honda CB750K w/ 1976 CB750F1 motor
1979 Suzuki GS550L

Offline Gordon

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #3 on: February 17, 2009, 11:26:29 AM »
That would fit into the "No" category. ;) :)
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Offline torrinh

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #4 on: February 17, 2009, 11:30:03 AM »
damn, I just changed the oil too. I don't really have the resources to pull the motor at the moment. I know I can put the bike on its side and take the frame off the engine, but, since I just changed the oil, I don't want to drain her again. I can live with oil-stained jeans for another 1,000 miles.  :)
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1983 Kawasaki GPZ 750
1978 Honda CB750K w/ 1976 CB750F1 motor
1979 Suzuki GS550L

Offline Gordon

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #5 on: February 17, 2009, 11:31:20 AM »
There was one member, who hasn't been a round in a long time, who said the dealer shop he worked for used to regularly replace the valve cover gaskets on the 750, with the engine in the frame, by removing the bolts, lifting the valve cover slightly off the head, stretching the gasket around the cover, and fitting it into place.  I've never done it myself or seen it done, but that was the claim. 

You can probably find the thread by searching, if you wish.  I'll try to remember his name... :-\
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Offline Gordon

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #6 on: February 17, 2009, 11:32:20 AM »
Have you tried loosening and re-torquing the valve cover bolts? 
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Offline torrinh

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #7 on: February 17, 2009, 11:39:45 AM »
that's actually what I'd been thinking about doing. I was also going to try unbolting the cover and using a bit of this amazing sealant I have called E600 to stop the leak. The leak is so small that I think it's a small tear in the gasket, or an uneven spot on the cover's lip. I'll see soon, but if not, I'm going to try lifting the cover slightly and slipping the new gasket around it. Wish me luck.
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1983 Kawasaki GPZ 750
1978 Honda CB750K w/ 1976 CB750F1 motor
1979 Suzuki GS550L

Offline Toxic

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #8 on: February 17, 2009, 11:52:04 AM »
Having spent a hour yesterday wrestling with mine I can tell you I still don't know how I got it off.

With all the engine mounting bolts off, it was a matter of finding the right position for the engine to be at it's lowest point in the frame in order to allow the clearence needed.

When I do it again I'll have a buddy help.

Once the valve cover was off it was a simple matter of laying the engin on it's right side and lifting the frame off.

Gary
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Offline Frankencake

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2009, 12:07:03 PM »
I met a guy a few years ago who did a lot of "tweaking" on these bikes back in his day.  When faced with a top end problem, they simply hacksawed the two frame tubes that are in the way.  I worked at a shop when this guy came through the door and suggested this.  Out came the sawzall.  While I don't recommend such a process, it makes a head gasket and valve cover gasket a lot easier.  Yes, the removed section was then tig-welded backed in to place.
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Offline Gordon

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #10 on: February 17, 2009, 12:15:15 PM »
Quote from: 78SS on February 17, 2009, 12:07:03 PM
I met a guy a few years ago who did a lot of "tweaking" on these bikes back in his day.  When faced with a top end problem, they simply hacksawed the two frame tubes that are in the way.  I worked at a shop when this guy came through the door and suggested this.  Out came the sawzall.  While I don't recommend such a process, it makes a head gasket and valve cover gasket a lot easier.  Yes, the removed section was then tig-welded backed in to place.



If you want to go that route, the "other Gordon" ;), Ilbikes is his forum name, makes a kit that allows frame rail removal and reassembly so you can work on the top end of the 750 engine while in the frame.  I've heard great things about the quality.  I'm sure it's a decent amount of work to make the change, but it would make engine work much easier.  Of course, it would only really pay off if you plan on needing to work on the engine rather frequently, like in racing applications.  For the majority of folks (if they do the work right the first time, and do everything that needs to be done when it's out) the engine should only have to be removed every ten years or so.  Or longer depending on how well it's taken care of and how much it's ridden. 
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Offline Sam Green Racing

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #11 on: February 17, 2009, 12:36:35 PM »
Bryanj is the guy to tell ya how to do it.
Here's his profile, send him a PM.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?action=profile;u=79

Sam. ;)
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Offline Gordon

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #12 on: February 17, 2009, 12:47:55 PM »
Here's the thread I was thinking of!

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=15529.0

It was Oldfart who spoke of the in-frame valve cover gasket replacement, 4th post down.
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Offline Sam Green Racing

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #13 on: February 17, 2009, 02:15:19 PM »
Yes it was Gord, I knew it was someone that was old ;D ;D ;D ;D

Bryan did chip in at the end of the thread with mention of, not forgeting to replace the tach seal.

Sam. ;)
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C95 sprint bike.
CB95 hybrid race bike
CB95 race bike
CB92
RS 175. sprint/land speed bike
JMR Racing CB750A street ET drag bike

Offline Gordon

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #14 on: February 17, 2009, 07:58:13 PM »
Quote from: Samcr750 on February 17, 2009, 02:15:19 PM
Yes it was Gord, I knew it was someone that was old ;D ;D ;D ;D

That's a pretty safe bet when you're talking about anyone around here.  This place is crawling with you guys!!! ;) ;D ;D ;D
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Offline bryanj

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #15 on: February 17, 2009, 11:07:04 PM »
Thank you for those few kind words, Personally i wouldnt even bother to try and get a rocker gasket in there without pulling the engine as they cost too much to cock up!!

BUT

I would change the tacho seal first as that is a way more common leak!!
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Offline torrinh

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Re: valve cover removal
« Reply #16 on: February 19, 2009, 08:54:54 PM »
I took her out for a nice long ride after I sealed this small leak with E600. No more oil coming out, Tight as a maiden's head.
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1983 Kawasaki GPZ 750
1978 Honda CB750K w/ 1976 CB750F1 motor
1979 Suzuki GS550L
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