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Valve cover gasket

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by pygmy_goat_, May 18, 2015.

  1. pygmy_goat_

    pygmy_goat_ Member

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    So, I was looking through my receipts this morning, and I noticed that I replaced the valve cover gasket in 2009. I also replaced the donuts at the same time.

    I have an oil leak somewhere. I'm hoping it's not the head gasket, but I'm not sure. I haven't tested the compression, but I will when I get the bike back together. However, I'd like to order all my parts at once if possible, and I'll need new valve shims and a couple other things, possibly including the valve cover gasket.

    Any thoughts on how long these things last? All of a sudden 2009 is 6 years ago...
     
    pygmy_goat_, May 18, 2015
    #1
  2. pygmy_goat_

    pygmy_goat_ Member

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    Bump?

    Is there any sense at all in putting the old gasket back on? It does not look bad, but I do think it was leaking at least a bit before. Maybe the bolts were slightly loose (I don't think that's really possible since they bottom out...)

    A week ago I'd have just bought a new one and not thought twice, but I just got laid off...
     
    pygmy_goat_, May 23, 2015
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  3. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    I'd put it back on and see what happens.....the worst it could be is that it does leak. Then you know. If it doesn't leak, keep rolling
     
    hogfiddles, May 23, 2015
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  4. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    I'd clean it and reuse. if it does leak you can put on a narrow bead of RTV to stop the leak (I mean narrow....narrow. almost can't squeeze it out of the tube narrow). I'd even use Loctite 515 since it can be used as a gasket dressing, but it might be a bit harder to remove.
     
    k-moe, May 23, 2015
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  5. pygmy_goat_

    pygmy_goat_ Member

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    Perfect, thanks guys.
     
    pygmy_goat_, May 23, 2015
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  6. Haapala

    Haapala Member

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    Related question: I'm gonna replace the valve cover gasket on my Seca pretty soon, is there anything else o should replace while I do that?
     
    Haapala, May 23, 2015
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  7. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    That depends on which Seca you have (and which year).
    Seca 400? Seca 550? Seca 650? Seca 750? Seca 900? XV920 Seca? Seca II? YICS or not?
    What other maintenance have you done? Why are you replacing the gasket?
     
    Last edited: May 23, 2015
    k-moe, May 23, 2015
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  8. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    the donuts for the hold down screws and while your in there check the valve clearances
     
    XJ550H, May 23, 2015
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  9. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Not knowing which Seca he has; you may be telling him to buy parts that he can't use.
     
    k-moe, May 23, 2015
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  10. Haapala

    Haapala Member

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    It's an '82 750. Leaking like a mother from the left side. This will be one of the first things I've done myself on it, just put new tires on.
     
    Haapala, May 23, 2015
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  11. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Then you will need the rubber doughnuts after all. They are what holds tension on the gasket. Chacal also sells a handy little bobbin that helps install the new doughnuts onto the bolts. Definitely check valve clearances if you have not done so before. If you have not yet read The Information Overload Hour, do so (link is in my signature). When you put on tires did you check the rear brake shoes for delamination? Are the front brake lines new, or are they still 30+ years old? Master cylinder and calipers rebuilt?

    This is the time to start a thread for your bike.
     
    k-moe, May 23, 2015
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  12. Haapala

    Haapala Member

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    I had a shop change the tires, but they were doing a full "check up," and they didn't find any problems other than the brake pads. AFAIK, everything is still stock, no rebuilds.
     
    Haapala, May 24, 2015
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  13. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Yamaha called for the entire brake system to be rebuilt every four years (caliper(s), master cylinder, replace hoses). You would be wise to assume that it has never been done. You should also assume that the valves have never been checked or adjusted. Did the shop inspect the wheel bearings?
     
    k-moe, May 24, 2015
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  14. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Well-Known Member

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    Here's a trick from way back. Clean the engine and use spray deodorant along all gasket points and warm up the engine . Any leaks will be evident as deodorant finds the wet spot
     
    Toomanybikes, May 24, 2015
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  15. pygmy_goat_

    pygmy_goat_ Member

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    Ooo that one is new to me. I wasn't envying trying to get baby powder around the various gaskets. I'll give it a shot!
     
    pygmy_goat_, May 24, 2015
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  16. wink1018

    wink1018 Active Member

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    Just deoderant? Or does it have to be the antiperspirant type?
     
    wink1018, May 25, 2015
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  17. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    IIRC it has to be the powdery kind. Basically the old-school powdery residue deodorant that has been supplanted by the fancy clear stuff.
     
    k-moe, May 25, 2015
    #17

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