Cam Plugs Pushing Out

[magnum440]

I am have a problem with the rubber plugs on the head where the cam cover seats pushing out. I was wondering if this could be from crankcase pressure? I haven't rode the bike yet. I put new ones in when I checked the valve clearence and the rear one came out as I was trying to get the idle set to adjust the carbs. Less than a minute. Removed the cover and installed two new plugs and a gasket and both plugs came out with only about a minute run time. I was not reving the engine, waiting on it to warm up to finish adjusting carbs. Is there a trick to these or is a problem else where?

[Crazcnuk]

I've not heard of this happening, but your idea of crancase pressure sounds about right.

There isn't anything else that can push on these plugs.

Did you check the crankcase breather? It's a large rubber hose that comes from a fitting under the airbox up to the center of the airbox in between carbs #2 and 3.

[magnum440]

I work out of town so I have to wait until I get back home. I was going to check that and the compression. It's just one of those things that when it happens it's best to roll it back in the shop, cool down and come back later. Also move the 16lb. sledge out of sight.

[Ivan]

I am not 100% sure on this, but I think the lip goes on the inside. If it isn't supposed to, it has worked fine on my scoot for the last 10k.

[trbig]

No, the hollow side goes in and the lip goes on the outside. Get some Yamabond/Tribond and coat the bottom half moon shape of the plug and set it in the hole. If you get any Yamabond on the top side, your gasket will stick to it and tear next time you take it off. Let this stuff set up for a little bit.. 10 minutes or something.. then re-install the valve cover.

You should be able to do this by simply loosening the bolts some and raising up the valve cover enough to do what you need... instead of removing the whole thing.

I do have to agree that there is something else going on to be building the pressure. You can pull that vent tube off of that plastic cover on the back right side of the engine and see if some critter climbed in there at some point and took up residence. You might as well take those 4 little screws/bolts off and check under that plastic cover also. It's a duel vent.. one side is the vent for the middle drive and one side for the motor.

Tod

P.S. Note to self.... Take a small hammer and punch with you next time meeting Ivan to tap his plugs into the inside of his head as a joke... it will be hilarious.

[magnum440]

It can't be that easy. I Yamabonded top and bottom, including the gasket. Thats some good stuff! Works good on small block chevy valve covers too. Live and learn.

[DELL82]

One thing about those plugs is to put them in very dry. I used alcohol to wash the area down and the plugs and no trouble after about 6500 miles and two years use.
I also agree with Tod
Dell82

[magnum440]

When you say dry, do you not use any Yamabond? I use starting fluid to clean with. Doesn't seem to leave any film. Though I did wake up about three counties away one time trying to figure out why my hair was all burnt off.

[trbig]

I used alcohol to wash the area down

Including the teeth, tongue, and tonsils.


Tod

[DELL82]

OH! YEA. Pure alcohol on the bike, Scotch on the tonsils.
Drell82

[XSPastor]

Me too!

My bike kept spitting them out until I installed them clean and dry. Now I only use Threebond 1104 on them where they contact the valve cover gasket and they've stayed in. I wish they would have made them with a lip on both sides...

[magnum440]

Is it safe to install the valve cover without any sealant. I know that with Yamabond, it will split the gasket into two gasket. one stuck the head and the other stuck to the cover. I used it because it looked like the surface wasn't perfectly smooth. But now I'm on my third gasket.

[randy]

If you're going to use adhesive, glue the gasket to the cover ONLY, you'll get a few uses out of it. After the third time, I replace the gasket. Some here don't use any or use PAM, but that makes the motor smell like french fries!

[xschop]

cam plugs

I need to get some of the billet ones done with the double lip. I had one pop out on me last summer and blew 20w50 all over my right leg at 80mph....wasn't fun I recall....

[Ivan]

Valve cover gaskets come in a tube. the kind I use says "Permatex Ultra Gray" Run a bead on the cover, surround all bolt holes, assemble. The bead only needs to be about the diameter of a grain of rice. When it comes time to pull it again, remove the screws and tap the side of the valve cover. Silicone has a weak sheer strength and a high tensile strength.

No paper needed.