This is getting old. I've replaced the valve cover gasket 3 times in about a year. I just had the cover off when I installed a new cam chain tentioner, and noticed a small lengthwise separation. I put it on dry when I installed it - I learned from my last replacement when my sealant ate the rubber gasket. It's leaking oil onto the head again.
I also need to replace the fork seals again. These are also less than 1 year old.
Will this bike stop leaking???
To top it all off, the closest Yamaha dealer to me in Hungary is about 40 minutes away, and they totally stopped selling parts. :dash2:
Consider changing the brass (?) bushings inside the forks as well. If they are worn the excess movement can aid in seal blow outs or create enough movement to let oil seep out.
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AForkR%2FBKit (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AForkR%2FBKit)
these things ^^^^
One thing I have found over the years is that when the valve cover has been taken on & off a lot the seat area of the V/C shoulder bolt on the cam cap crushes and compresses the gasket too tightly causing it to slip. For those instances I put a small 6mm flat washer on the bolt to make up for the crush the cap has experienced.
Secondly, if the bolt grommets are old & hard they will not expand and allow the valve cover to rise due to heat and the gasket can slip.
As mentioned already, the forks probably need to be rebuilt not just re-sealed.
Don't worry about parts, I can send them to you anytime.
Randy - RPM
The fork stanchion tubes (the fixed ones) can get burrs and scratches from stones, and these will cut the seal. Run your hands over them if you can't see anything. If it can catch a fingernail, it'll cut the seal. I use an Arkansas stone to remove them, but fine emery cloth works, too.
Quote from: racerrad8 on July 06, 2011, 12:42:32 PM
...if the bolt grommets are old & hard they will not expand and allow the valve cover to rise due to heat and the gasket can slip.
Don't worry about parts, I can send them to you anytime.
Randy - RPM
I just replaced all the valve cover bolt grommets. I'll look at the cam cap also.
I'm shopping on your website now, Randy. I had a great experience with you shipping the carb jets and gaskets, hopefully this will be just as painless. My FJ is scheduled for drag races on August 19 - 20!
Quote from: RichBaker on July 06, 2011, 03:31:21 PM
The fork stanchion tubes (the fixed ones) can get burrs and scratches from stones, and these will cut the seal. Run your hands over them if you can't see anything. If it can catch a fingernail, it'll cut the seal. I use an Arkansas stone to remove them, but fine emery cloth works, too.
Yeah, I've looked at the tubes carefully. They appear perfect. I think the major problem is probably the Ebay seals I installed.
Ebay seals will do it..... OEM is the only way to go with them.
Plus 1 for OEM only
Bob W
Randy - Parts ordered. Another $184 into this thing. :negative: There's so much more I want, but I had to stop. I sure would like the spin-on oil filter adapter and the fork brace one day.
Quote from: Lotsokids on July 06, 2011, 04:16:12 PM
Randy - Parts ordered. Another $184 into this thing. :negative: There's so much more I want, but I had to stop. I sure would like the spin-on oil filter adapter and the fork brace one day.
Parts are already on the way; just let me know and those other parts on your wish list can be headed to you as well.
Thank you,
Randy - RPM
I am concerned severely on my bike burning oil on start up after it has sat for say 33 hours it smokes oil something awful then clears up also am leaking oil down the left front side of the engine any help fellas thanx. 86 fj1200 41k
Excuse me I mean 3 hours I fat fingered the keyboard
Quote from: srutherford on July 06, 2011, 11:16:28 PM
I am concerned severely on my bike burning oil on start up after it has sat for say 33 hours it smokes oil something awful then clears up also am leaking oil down the left front side of the engine any help fellas thanx. 86 fj1200 41k
Sounds to me like valve stem seals.
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Head%3AVSS&cat=39 (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Head%3AVSS&cat=39)
Quote from: srutherford on July 06, 2011, 11:16:28 PM
Excuse me I mean 3 hours I fat fingered the keyboard
Within a short time of posting, you can click "modify" to edit your original post.
How difficult im a great parts changer can wrk my way throughout most task..motorcycle tech im not but I know one
Quote from: srutherford on July 07, 2011, 07:05:32 AM
How difficult im a great parts changer can wrk my way throughout most task..motorcycle tech im not but I know one
I've never done this task myself. Anyone else experienced in this?
Quote from: srutherford on July 07, 2011, 07:05:32 AM
How difficult im a great parts changer can wrk my way throughout most task..motorcycle tech im not but I know one
Not really a "parts changer" type of job. If you own a valve spring compressor and have used it a few times, I would say no problem.
But you would still need to remove the head which is a job on its own.
Ok I will have it done is it a bad problem as long as I keep oil level good
So can I just take the head off and take to machine shop
Before you go pulling down the motor, you might put some miles on the bike first. When I first got my wife's bike it smoked the oil smoke from the exhaust at start up; heavily.
I changed the oil and added about 1/2 a quart of transmission fluid. I changed the oil every 500 miles, for four (4) times or 2000 miles. I then put in the oil of my choice (see all my other posts on oil (popcorn)) and the problem is gone.
I believe the oil control ring was gummed up from sitting and needed to have some heat cycles and the trans fluid is high in detergents to help break down oil deposits.
What have you got to loose by trying what I have recommended and every something else you have heard about? Just make sure there is oil the the crankcase and it will be fine, you might be surprised...
If you have to do the valve stem seals then I do recommend the ones already mentioned that I sell. They are a positive seal that will provide more years of service than the O.E.
Randy - RPM
I thought of trans fluid was afraid it hurt ill try it. This bike is beautiful but learn oil all over the place now I have discovered oil leakn from the front spelled cover havnt identified if its coming from the shaft seal or clutch push rod. Ahhhhh :dash1:
I agree with Randy, I have seen bikes puff blue smoke at start up after being stored for extended periods of time.
Then after a few oil changes and some miles put on the bike, it slowly went away.
Quote from: Travis398 on July 09, 2011, 10:48:52 AM
...bikes puff blue smoke at start up after being stored for extended periods of time.
Then after a few oil changes and some miles put on the bike, it slowly went away.
Or you just got used to it....
:)
Dan
Randy - I got all the parts to my house in Hungary in 8 days. Just in time to do the work on Saturday. Thanks a million! :good2: