Leaking rocker cover gaskets

[flymo]

Just replaced the head cover gaskets with brand new rubber ones but they are leaking, not much but I would not expect them to leak at all.

Its on a K3 not that it makes much difference.

Anybody come across this before, how did you resolve?

I didnt replace the thick rubber washers that sit under the three bolts on each head cover, is that the problem, maybe not applying as much pressure to the cover if they are older.

[rictus01]

Not come across this before, although I have seen a couple that weren't fitted correctly, as the torque for the cover bolts is 10nm (initial) & 14nm (final) I doubt that's the cause.

The gasket should be fitted into the groove around the cover (it should stay there when turned over to place on head/ if not a couple of spots of sealant will hold it) making sure the gasket also sits in the groove around the plug access aperture. A thin application of sealant to the half circle parts of the gasket adjacent to the cam ends should also be applied, before setting the cover (with gasket fitted) to the head.

Cheers Mark.

[flymo]

They seem to be seated fine all the way around, no problem with that. The gaskets were new and appeared quite fresh and squashy when they arrived so I dont think they've been sat on a shelf for too long either.

Bolts were torqued as per the manual, even perhaps a little tighter once I noticed a slight leak. I wondered maybe wether the three rubber washers that go with the bolts might need replacing. If they are flattened it will reduce the pressure applied by the bolts to the cover and seal.

The leak is very very slight but just annoying. I like it to be clean.

[punyXpress]

Did you smear oil on the gasket?
If so, it will seep off with heat & as we know, a little can go a long way.

[flymo]

Originally Posted by punyXpress

Did you smear oil on the gasket?
If so, it will seep off with heat & as we know, a little can go a long way.

I did yes, not much though, just enough to smear the gasket surface. It might just be that then.

I'll have the bike on track all weekend so will keep an eye on it and see if it clears.

i recently renewed my valve cover gasket (not an SV) as it needed doing and was weeping a bit. i thought the new one was leaking but it was residual oil from the small weep before, escaping as it got hot. seems ok now.