Faaarrrkkk!

[billwest]

And double faaarrrkk.


I decided to check valve clearances, and found that 4 needed changing.

Having done this many times on my Yamaha Triples, I went about the task confidently.
Measuring, rotating, using Randy's shim tool, old shim out, other shim in, etc.

Anyway, one of the shims did not seat correctly, I think.  As I turned the crank back to remove the shim tool, I heard a metallic "clunk".  Think it was the shim being pushed in to the recess on top of the shim bucket, I continued.

After finishing the shim swaps, and putting everything back, including new valve cover gasket, re-install tank, etc, I start the engine.  It runs fine.  I let it idle for a while, no strange noises.  I switch off, go inside for a few minutes, come back outside, and find oil on the ground.  It has leaked from the front.

I immediately think that perhaps the rocker cover gasket leaks.  Tank off, air scoops off, no leak at the rocker cover.  It leaks at the front of the head, near where that dodgy shim was.  Faarrkkk!  I think I may have cracked the head.

Not happy.

Bill.

[billwest]

Does an XJR1300 head fit the FJ1200 block, transferring all the goodies from the FJ1200 head?

Bill.

[mz_rider]

And double faaarrrkk.


I decided to check valve clearances, and found that 4 needed changing.

Having done this many times on my Yamaha Triples, I went about the task confidently.
Measuring, rotating, using Randy's shim tool, old shim out, other shim in, etc.

Anyway, one of the shims did not seat correctly, I think.  As I turned the crank back to remove the shim tool, I heard a metallic "clunk".  Think it was the shim being pushed in to the recess on top of the shim bucket, I continued.

After finishing the shim swaps, and putting everything back, including new valve cover gasket, re-install tank, etc, I start the engine.  It runs fine.  I let it idle for a while, no strange noises.  I switch off, go inside for a few minutes, come back outside, and find oil on the ground.  It has leaked from the front.

I immediately think that perhaps the rocker cover gasket leaks.  Tank off, air scoops off, no leak at the rocker cover.  It leaks at the front of the head, near where that dodgy shim was.  Faarrkkk!  I think I may have cracked the head.

Not happy.

Bill.

Bill,

A cracked head – are you sure? I can't think of anything you did had the slightest chance of causing that. Since the cam cover was off the oil must be coming from there. I also can't think of how a shim could be incorrectly fitted. The "clunk" you heard would have been the cam pushing the shim into position on the bucket. Since the engine sounds ok I think there is no problem there.

Stuart

[Kopfjaeger]

Bill. i had a leak. it was coming from a pin hole in the front of the cam chain moulding at the front of the engine. i'm not saying its the cause but it might be worth having a look to try and pin( no pun) point it, also i believe harvey had a flaw in his engine barrels similiar to mine. sorry to hear your bad news.

[andyb]

Take a picture?

[Firehawk068]

It could be leaking oil near the back of the cam cover, or grommets.
There are air passages at the front of the head that go all the way through to the back.....Since the engine is canted forward, the oil would run forward, and come out at the front.......check very carefully.

[billwest]

No, definitely not from the rocker cover.  Lower down.

Picture - tomorrow my time; it is almost midnight here now.

Brand new rocker cover gasket and grommets for the rocker cover bolts.
Will check again in the morning.

If it comes to the worst, I can lay my hands on an XJR1300 head (provided it fits).

Bill.

[simi_ed]

Possibly a fouled gasket installation?  I did that on my wife's Toyota Avalon.  Not pretty, had to remove the intake manifold to get th rear valve cover off! 
Gotta love a transverse V-6

[billwest]

It could be leaking oil near the back of the cam cover, or grommets.
There are air passages at the front of the head that go all the way through to the back.....Since the engine is canted forward, the oil would run forward, and come out at the front.......check very carefully.

You may have the answer here.  I had another look this morning, and there is oil at the top of the engine, between the camshaft areas.  I will be taking the cover off later today, and check the gasket.

Because I heard the metallic "clunk", my first thoughts were the worst.

Will post again when I know more.

Thanks guys.

Bill.

[billwest]

 

Al good.  Leaking from the valve cover, left side, intake side.
Notice the oil between the fins.  As suggested, it leaked forward.



Valve cover gasket, note at one corner - not seated properly.



Next time I do all of this more carefully...


Bill.

[simi_ed]

Good to hear.  Mine was a similar failure by the mechanic (me) to properly install the valve cover gasket.

[racerman_27410]

whew.... crisis averted! 

i like a thin film of rtv to hold the gasket in place while assembling.



KOokaloo!

[Yamifj1200]

Good news Bill, and you found the problem yourself. I bet you wont ever make that mistake again. Its good when you can ride away and grin from what you have learned. Well done....

Eric M

[Travis398]

that's a whole lot better than a cracked head, I bet you was totally relieved.

[FJmonkey]

that's a whole lot better than a cracked head, I bet you was totally relieved.

His head may still be cracked....Just not on the FJ....Kookalooo