Cylinder head cover leak?

Did my valve clearances this weekend and having replaced the cylinder heads there's been a small leak coming from around the valve cover gasket. I didn't actually take the gasket off just left it in place as it was sealed to the head at the cam end caps, anyone got any suggestions ins topping the leak, take the head cover off an see if i cant jiggle it about until the leak stops?

Any help really appreciated

Regards
Byron.

[squirrel_hunter]

It is possible to reuse valve cover gaskets, I have in the past provided however that they are undamaged.

In the past when I have done this I will completely remove the gasket and clean the mating surfaces up removing all traces of old instant gasket. Then reseal the gasket with a little instant gasket at the cam ends, you shouldn't need it any where else.

If you just take the cover off and jiggle it, chances are that will not help and probably make things worse as you risk damaging it, after all something is stopping it sealing now...

Cheers for the help mate, bought a little of gasket bond tonight so will hopefully sort the problem out throughout the week, didn't realize there any other members on the forum from the Swindon area, nice to know I'm not the only one with an sv round swindon area

[squirrel_hunter]

No problem. Didn't know you were in the area either. If you get stuck give me a shout and I can pop over and help out if you need it. Other than that check out the South West and Surfers section, occasionally we actually meet up and go for rides...

That'd be fantastic mate, been heading to the twisties more often recently and the Marlborough avebury road is absolutely terrible! been dying to find some decent new routes

[johnnyrod]

Just to echo above, the half-moon bits of the rocker cover gasket are the most likely to be leaking. Wipe off the oil and go for a short ride, not too fast r it'll blow everywhere.