Oil leak around the #4 cyl exhaust....

[ERM83]

Can it leak where the exhaust nuts are?? It's been a while since I've fiddled with the exhaust...last time was a year and a half ago on the other xs (SF). Can't remember what it looks like in there! Sorry if I sound ridiculously stupid...just wanted to ask the masters before I do ANYTHING on it tomorrow!! I've been trying to pinpoint this leak for a while now...thought it was the cam caps, but definitely isn't. Doesn't leak profusely, but enough to be a bit messy after a few days...

Eric

[Radioguylogs]

Valve Cover Gasket

I doubt the exhaust would leak oil.

The most likely cause for oil on #4 exhaust would be the valve cover gasket. There are water drainage passages in the head that can disguise a valve cover leak. Usually, you can just tighten the valve cover bolts to stop a leak.

The cam chain tensioner is between #2 and #3 exhaust. It is notorious for leakage around the rubber coated plug at the end of it. But that is in a different area.....

[ERM83]

See, that's the weird thing...it doesn't start at the valve cover gasket. It starts RIGHT where the exhaust/ exhaust nuts are. I'll try to get some pictures. The gasket mating surfaces are dry...

Eric

[donebysunday]

See, that's the weird thing...it doesn't start at the valve cover gasket. It starts RIGHT where the exhaust/ exhaust nuts are. I'll try to get some pictures. The gasket mating surfaces are dry...

Eric

Had the same thing, swore it was not the valve cover. The knowledgeable folks here tried to convince me and I eventually listened. Pulled the valve cover, (for once the P.O. did good and cemented the gasket to the cover) put a fine bead of sealant on the gasket engine side and no more oil on the exhaust flange.