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Oil leak from valve cover

R

Russ Rowbotham

Just got it firing!
Joined
Jun 2, 2021
Messages
9
Location
Cairns
I have 2014 1400 Cali and have recently replaced the gaskets for the valve covers. I have one that keeps leaking and have tightened down to the point where I have broken off the one of the four screws that secures the cover. This has leaked since I have replaced them about 3 months ago and don’t understand why it continues to leak. Can anyone assist. I have placed an order for a new screw (976591) and will need to now remove the broken thread whilst waiting for a new one. A bike mechanic I am not !
 

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Are you talking about the actual rocker cover rubber ring or the 4 rings under the hold down screws ?
I'd replace all of them myself and make sure your oil level is just between the lines . Good luck !
 
Russ Rowbotham said:
I have 2014 1400 Cali and have recently replaced the gaskets for the valve covers. I have one that keeps leaking and have tightened down to the point where I have broken off the one of the four screws that secures the cover. This has leaked since I have replaced them about 3 months ago and don’t understand why it continues to leak. Can anyone assist. I have placed an order for a new screw (976591) and will need to now remove the broken thread whilst waiting for a new one. A bike mechanic I am not !
Click to expand...
No need to tighten the valve cover bolts with a lot of force. I agree on the oil level - many owners overfill. Try removing the rubber gasket, dry it off and inspect for damage, and reinstall without any oil or sealant on the mating surfaces.
 
Advice for those who will listen…

You NEVER tighten bolts to stop oil leaks. This is the recipe for disaster, as this gentleman has unfortunately discovered.

Whenever I install new valve cover gaskets, I always clean all mating surfaces with isopropyl alcohol and wipe absolutely dry and clean. I also place the gaskets in the sun for 15 minutes to warm up and increase pliability. Then I install them and set the screws cross pattern finger tight, to where they stop turning. I then cross pattern, tighten them just snug (1/8) of a turn past their initial stopping point.

Overtightening actually deforms the gasket and can induce leaks.

These bolts do not hold the cylinder together. They do not hold the motorcycle together. They merely hold the valve cover on top of the cylinder and they only operate at normal atmospheric pressure to keep the splashing oil, in the top of the cylinder head.

They do not need to be cranked on, ever.

If you continue to experience leaking, remove, clean with alcohol and apply the lightest coating of Hylomar Blue on both sides of the gasket. Reassemble as usual. They will never leak again by using Hylomar Blue and it will easily come apart next time as Hylomar never hardens.
 
scottmastrocinque said:
Advice for those who will listen…

You NEVER tighten bolts to stop oil leaks. This is the recipe for disaster, as this gentleman has unfortunately discovered.

Whenever I install new valve cover gaskets, I always clean all mating surfaces with isopropyl alcohol and wipe absolutely dry and clean. I also place the gaskets in the sun for 15 minutes to warm up and increase pliability. Then I install them and set the screws cross pattern finger tight, to where they stop turning. I then cross pattern, tighten them just snug (1/8) of a turn past their initial stopping point.

Overtightening actually deforms the gasket and can induce leaks.

These bolts do not hold the cylinder together. They do not hold the motorcycle together. They merely hold the valve cover on top of the cylinder and they only operate at normal atmospheric pressure to keep the splashing oil, in the top of the cylinder head.

They do not need to be cranked on, ever.

If you continue to experience leaking, remove, clean with alcohol and apply the lightest coating of Hylomar Blue on both sides of the gasket. Reassemble as usual. They will never leak again by using Hylomar Blue and it will easily come apart next time as Hylomar never hardens.
Click to expand...

I knew you would say that!
 
Moto-Uno said:
Are you talking about the actual rocker cover rubber ring or the 4 rings under the hold down screws ?
I'd replace all of them myself and make sure your oil level is just between the lines . Good luck !
Click to expand...
The right oil quantity is 3,6 liters, no more
 
If that brings it between the lines with the bike vertical and the dipstick threaded all the way in , then yes , but
I believe mine was about 3 liters with a new oil filter . Peter
 
The right quantity of oil (with filter change), is 3,6 liters.
The right quantity among max and min sign in the dipstick, is 700 ml.
 
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