[Mr Magic Fingers]

imported post

Hi,



I have a constant (though very little) drip of oil coming from my valve pan gaskets (both sides). It has been a bit of an ongoing issue since I got the bike last year. It is just annoying as it makes the belly of the beast always oily and messy. There is not enough to affect the oil level between changes.



I have tried to tightening up the 8 valve pan bolts and at best it would hold it off a few days and then it would return. When I take a close look at the rubber and metal washer that goes on each bolt, they look old and cracked. I picked up new ones and am going to replace them. I have a few questions though.



1) Does the oil have to be drained from the engine before I remove the valve pan or does all the oil drain to the motor?

2) Is their any advantage to having the heads re-torqued while I’m in there?

3) Is there anything I should be looking at while I am in here as far as PM that a simple minded fella could do?

4) Though I don’t think they have to be replaced, should I add some sort of gasket sealer to the gasket and then reinstall after it gets tacky or hardens up? I have heard that even new ones can leak a bit.

5) Is there anyone local that had the expertise and tools to check the valves? I would be willing to pay a bit for someone to teach me/show me how.



My background is the electronics, wiring and computers (IT). I know this is (should be) a simple procedure but I am always timid on doing new things that I could badly mess up my beloved bike. I see so many people mess up their computers and servers because they just don’t ask.



Thanks,



Tim.

 

[Mr Magic Fingers]

imported post

Well,



I already have the rubber mounts. I don't "think" it is a very hard or time consuming thing to do. I really just wanted to know if I had to drain the oil or not and see what other PMI could do in there that would be warranted.



It's not the cost of the gaskets... just that if they don't have to be replaced then why do it? I can put that money towards SS brake lines (which I need more that the drip to be stopped).



If they leak from that point on, I will replace them. I will have the experience behind me at that point. It would be different if I was going a professional to have it done. The cost to have it redone would be equal to or more that the cost of the labour.



My labor is cheap!!



Tim.

 

[Mr Magic Fingers]

imported post

Hi Freonrick,



That's where my experience and sense of adventure starts to thin out. I don't know the first thing about checking the valves. I would love to, but I don't.



That's where I am looking for the local talent.



Tim.