Topic: ***STILL NEED HELP WITH OIL LEAK!!!!****

[pelicanwheel]

I can't believe I'm one of the many posters with the mystery oil leak in the front... and I too can't figure it out!

1)  leak looked like it was coming from the number 3 spark plug area.  I validated this by using the foot powder method.  The oil was coming from somewhere in that area.  With the mufflers later removed, along with mirrors and lighting, I could not tell exactly where.

2) Engine was pulled and all six cam pucks were replace with new honda factory pucks.  Both center front cam tower studs were removed.  The stud's thread wells were cleaned with brake cleaner, followed by soap water, then rinsed and air compressed dried.  I then squeezed Toyota sealant (dries to a very rubbery state.  Most would think its rubber once cured..I used extensive in my race cars with confidence).  After packing the wells, I immediately installed the studs back in.  I sealed the puck with a thin coat of the sealant on the landings of the pucks.  It was applied thin and clean.

3) install engine...start...run it a few minutes...no oil.  Take it around block..no oil.  While idling, noticed oil coming from same area.

4) cleaned engine..sprayed with foot powder:

valve cover gasket as far as I can see was dry.  However, when I removed pipes and had a clearer view...it may have leaked at the valve cover gasket behind the plug..but I'm not sure.

the tack seal is dry

the valve caps are dry.

5) I removed the 3 and 4 pipes and the number 3 spark plug.  I can see the nib of the sealant that oozed out the holes.  I needed a mirror and flashlight to see this.  I assume that the leak cant be coming from there...and if it was..it would be a small leak....not constant flow that I can see dripping.


Where do I go next?

[Duke McDukiedook]

exhaust seals gaskets new?

[pelicanwheel]

you mean the copper looking o rings that's behind the exhaust flanges?..If so, yes...and I installed brand new allen head screws on the flanges.

If this is what you meant...wouldn't the oil be foiled and black?  I'm getting pure virgin oil with my leak.  That in itself is making it hard to see without powder.

I also could see the oil originating somewhere in the spark plug well when I used powder.

[gtyler5]

pictures might help.

[Simpson]

Keep in mind, I have no idea what bike we are talking about,
and I am unframiar with some of the terminolgy you are using,
but it reads like you have a valve cover gasket leak in the front center area....

[bryanj]

Valve cover gasket back to front, or is it side to side and yes its different and yes it will fit wrong

[pelicanwheel]

Success! The valve cove gasket was upside down...along with the initial cam puck.

Just for the record..it took all of about 2 minutes to change the gasket with the engine in the bike....it snakes right over the cover.

Thanks everyone for you help.

Pelican

[bryanj]

Nice to remember one right occasionally, have fun riding now

[mick750F]

Success! The valve cove gasket was upside down...along with the initial cam puck.

Just for the record..it took all of about 2 minutes to change the gasket with the engine in the bike....it snakes right over the cover.

Thanks everyone for you help.

Pelican

  Okay, now we know that you don't have a 750...unless you have a modified frame.  If you have a 550 then you just got good intel from the sohc4 550 guru. Hi Bryan. 

Mike

[pelicanwheel]

Mick - I do have a 750...why do you think I didn't?   Because I got the gasket on without removing the engine?  I know many people think you have to remove the engine but I didn't.

I replaced all the valve cover bolts with allen head bolts, so removing the bolts are really easy.  I used small bungee cords to keep the cover high off the head while I snaked the gasket over.  It was 1000000 times easier than trying to put carb boots and stock air cleaner on a bike.  I so dread doing that when I have to.

[bryanj]

Works Ok if the gasket comes off it one piece, like yours would, but not easy if you have to try and clean both surfaces