FJ1200 Valve cover grommets

[nekroskope]

So I'm sure people have covered this before but:
Riding back from Manchester a few weeks ago my FJ developed a weeping from the right hand side. Used a full litre of oil in around 200 miles. I have been advised to check the valve cover grommets before I check anything else. I have a manual but manuals seem to go the hardest way round everything. So I thought I'd ask experienced  people first.

Can the grommets be checked by just removing the tank or do I need the fairings off as well?
Would you replace the rocker cover gasket at the same time?
I have a comprehensive tool collection from my days as a mechanic, but are there any specialised tools required?
Roughly how long would the replacement take?

Many thanks in advance

Nekroskope

[FJ_Hooligan]

After you get the tank off the job should take about 15 minutes.

All you need is a 10mm wrench.  If you see seepage from the gasket then replace it also.  If it's just the grommets, just replace them one at a time.  Be aware that the cam cover bolts have a shoulder on them.  When the shoulder makes contact, watch how much you tighten them or you'll strip the threads on a cam bearing cap.

Definitely replace the grommets if leaking.  With the shoulder on the bolt, trying to tighten the bolts down further to stop a leak won't work.

Good luck, report progress or problems.

[nekroskope]

Thanks for that. I'll get the tank off tomorrow evening and check. Then I'll order whatever I need and try to get it done Sunday during the day. Will give a report after its all done :-)

Nekroskope

[IceFJ]

I my memory serves me right these bolts have a very very low torque to them......

[fjbiker84]

I replaced all of mine 3-4 years ago because they were starting to leak a little and you could see the rubber was very hard and old.  Very simple to replace and the torque on these bolts is only 6 or 7 ft lbs if memory serves me.

[nekroskope]

Well, just had the tank off. Front left 2 grommets are weeping ever so slightly, but the rocker cover gasket appears to have gone as well. Behind the front 2 grommets, its reasonably dry until you get to the rocker cover then its quite wet. I doubt the grommets have been changed from new and I wouldn't like to place money on the rocker cover gasket even being changed. Guy I bought it off seemed to believe maintenance was achieved by bolting more shiny new pieces on  . So card out, new gasket and grommets. Not happy at the state of the valve cover bolts neither so I think I'll replace those whilst I'm in there. Will order new parts in the morning and hopefully they will be here by Friday or Saturday, I'll fit them on Sunday and let you know how I get on.