Author Topic: Leaky valve cover (Read 2266 times)

Johnny5 · « **on:** April 27, 2009, 07:54:12 AM »

I just installed my engine into the frame about a week ago with all new gaskets from Cycle Exchange and now after starting the bike a few times, the valve cover is leaking. I've retorqued the screws but it doesnt seem to be helping. I know the gasket surface was clean and there werent any scratches.

Man, this is disconcerting after all the work of putting the bike back together and it being almost done.

I guess Im at a lose at why this has happened since the gasket was new. After some searching, I found some people had luck lifting the valve cover just enough to remove the gasket and slide a new one in. Im just trying to figure out what could have caused this so if I need a new gasket, the same thing doesnt happen.

Any thoughts?

Gordon · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2009, 07:56:32 AM »

Could be slightly warped gasket mating surfaces...

Johnny5 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2009, 07:58:17 AM »

Quote from: Gordon on April 27, 2009, 07:56:32 AM

Could be slightly warped gasket mating surfaces...

Very possible I suppose. But it didnt leak in this area before the tear down.

bryanj · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2009, 07:59:18 AM »

I know it sounds silly but it is possible to fit the gasket backwards as it is simmilar but not exact

Johnny5 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2009, 08:11:02 AM »

Quote from: bryanj on April 27, 2009, 07:59:18 AM

I know it sounds silly but it is possible to fit the gasket backwards as it is simmilar but not exact

Not silly at all and makes a lot of sense actually. I felt like I was almost stretching the gasket to get the last couple of screws through. Crap. It could be worse, it could be the head gasket leaking, which thankfully is not leaking.

Thanks for the suggestions and thoughts.

Steve F · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2009, 03:46:41 PM »

Quote from: bryanj on April 27, 2009, 07:59:18 AM

I know it sounds silly but it is possible to fit the gasket backwards as it is simmilar but not exact

That's what I thought, but thought that is would be impossible to get the dowel pin holes to line up. But hey, stranger things have happened. Be sure you didn't tear the gasket somewhere while you were "stretching it".
Steve F

chrislib · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2009, 04:10:26 PM »

Perhaps you could remove all the VC screws with the engine still in place and lift it enough to see if it`s indeed on backwards? If so you "should" be able to rotate the gskt around to it`s proper orientation. I`ve never tried so I don`t know how much clearance there is but it might be worth a try.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 27, 2009, 04:33:16 PM »

Quote from: chrislib on April 27, 2009, 04:10:26 PM

Perhaps you could remove all the VC screws with the engine still in place and lift it enough to see if it`s indeed on backwards? If so you "should" be able to rotate the gskt around to it`s proper orientation. I`ve never tried so I don`t know how much clearance there is but it might be worth a try.

I didnt really have to stretch it that much when I installed it but it fit close enough I didnt bother to flip it over to see if it fit better the other way. Plus I thought it was symmetrical.

I found Oldfart's post about carefully stretching the gasket over the cover. I'll definitely try that route first.

bryanj · « **Reply #8 on:** April 28, 2009, 12:08:33 AM »

The gasket definately aint symetrical but it would be easier to see if you had a spare cover to lay it on

fuzzybutt · « **Reply #9 on:** April 28, 2009, 12:38:55 AM »

possibly a pinched gasket? i got the gasket kit from cycle x and the fit of the valve cover gasket was pretty bad. i ended up buying a new one from honda. everything else fit just fine.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 28, 2009, 05:43:05 PM »

Im going to order a Honda gasket through the dealership tomorrow. Im hoping I dont wreck it by stretching it over the valve cover.

Steve F · « **Reply #11 on:** April 28, 2009, 05:52:24 PM »

Quote from: Johnny5 on April 28, 2009, 05:43:05 PM

Im going to order a Honda gasket through the dealership tomorrow. Im hoping I dont wreck it by stretching it over the valve cover.

Rather than stretching it over, you try to sneak it under.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 28, 2009, 06:00:13 PM »

Quote from: Steve F on April 28, 2009, 05:52:24 PM

Quote from: Johnny5 on April 28, 2009, 05:43:05 PM
Im going to order a Honda gasket through the dealership tomorrow. Im hoping I dont wreck it by stretching it over the valve cover.
Rather than stretching it over, you try to sneak it under.

I was wondering about trying that but didnt know if the gasket could sneak over the rocker arms and stuff.

Steve F · « **Reply #13 on:** April 28, 2009, 06:12:56 PM »

It's been a long time, but I think that I actually had done it, and remember that it was a royal PITA to keep from damaging the gasket while keeping the cover up high enough to see anything. Was still easier than taking the engine out

Steve F

Rich W · « **Reply #14 on:** April 29, 2009, 07:50:37 AM »

Quote from: Steve F on April 28, 2009, 06:12:56 PM

It's been a long time, but I think that I actually had done it, and remember that it was a royal PITA to keep from damaging the gasket while keeping the cover up high enough to see anything. Was still easier than taking the engine out
Steve F

IS it possible to change the valve cover gasket without removing the motor from the frame ? Mine has seeped since I've owned it ( but a very small dribble ) but now is forming into a leak . A 300 mile ride and the bottom part of my left leg was pretty drenched with oil . I might just have to give it a shot because I am not looking forward to stuffing that engine back in the frame .

Steve F · « **Reply #15 on:** April 29, 2009, 09:39:59 AM »

If you have to scrape the old gasket off, you really REALLY have to be careful not to get any little bits and pieces in the engine, and that's damn near impossible unless you have the valve cover off and can see everything.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #16 on:** April 29, 2009, 11:10:14 AM »

The good thing is that I should be okay with any old gasket material. Since I had the head and everything off and cleaned before I reassembled it and also didnt use any gasket adhesive, the old one should come right out. Plus I havent even had the engine running an hour total since putting it back together.

I went with an original Honda gasket. Should be delivered in about a week. I'll post how it all goes.

Gordon · « **Reply #17 on:** April 29, 2009, 11:16:19 AM »

Quote from: Johnny5 on April 29, 2009, 11:10:14 AM

The good thing is that I should be okay with any old gasket material. Since I had the head and everything off and cleaned before I reassembled it and also didnt use any gasket adhesive, the old one should come right out. Plus I havent even had the engine running an hour total since putting it back together.

I went with an original Honda gasket. Should be delivered in about a week. I'll post how it all goes.

I'll be interested to hear your results. I've had a slight weep from the left side of my 750 valve cover gasket (installed 5 years ago) for a couple of years now. I'd love to be able to change this without pulling the engine since there's no other reason to do so.

For now, keeping a rag under the seat and giving it an occasional wipe has been enough to keep the engine clean.

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