"Where THIS man has never gone before..."

[jimboreeno]

Hi all,
I am noticing some oil around my valve cover and am planning on replacing the gasket. While this question will seem simple to you wrench-turners, I have never attemped this and am wondering what else I should check and/or adjust while I have the cover off.
Thanks,

[81xsproject]

Not trying to sound to "duh", but how bout the valve clearances? I also usually take the opportunity to clean and add a fresh coat of paint the the valve cover.

[jimboreeno]

There really is no "too duh" for me!
I have been reading about the clearances and shims but will have to read further in the "how to's"

[81xsproject]

Do yourself a huge favor and whatever you do plug/cover the cam chain hole with a rag. Having done it the hard way would want a valve tool if I did it all again.

[trbig]

I agree that checking your valve clearances is a good udea IF you are going in there... but have you tried to simply re-torque your valve cover screws? Between contracting and expanding from heat, and the vibration of your bike, they will loosen alot of times. Also, it may just be your half moon gaskets on the right side that is leaking... they are bad about that.


Tod

[Pat Kelly]

Replace the "half-moon" end plugs while you're there

[TopCatGr58]

And you can get the valve cover gasket and the half moons from PNM at the same time.
T.C.

[xj11john]

Thanks all for posting, I'll have to do the same thing, Jimbo, maybe we can make a day of it and do em both.

[jimboreeno]

Nice to hear from you John. I tightend the bolts, several were NOT torqued much at all. So next I am going to clean clean clean. I will then check things after a while of riding to see if I do need to pull it.