valve cover gasket replacement

For a good forum on valve cover gaskets check here: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=23763.html

This is a continuation of my problems:

Now my problem is the bolts. I got about 3 of them that refuse to tighten. The will go in to the point where they start to give a bit of resistance (just where the head is flush with the cover), then just "circle." not going down any farther.

I know the threads are ok because I removed the valve cover and was able to screw the bolts down with out the cover. I have tried with different bolts and eliminated that problem. Solutions?

 

What its torquing to when you feel the resistance? Is the valve cover level? could be a slight warp in it which will mean you need to take great care and torque them down a little each at a time so it evens out and spreads out the gasket nicely.

 

The donuts are hanging up. (The rubber and steel composite pressure washers that the bolts press down against.)

Lift the cover slightly, and press those bolts down; their donuts don't want to go down is all.

You did replace the donuts, too, right?

 

Take the cover bolts and pop them out of the cover and apply a coating of silicon grease to the rubbers.

 

I did replace the donuts and covered them with silicone grease...but found this on the inside right bolt, closest to the front wheel:



The whole side was broken off, and a large piece was being thrown around for god knows how long.



As you can see, the bolt still fits. Is the best solution to replace that piece completely or do some sort of repair work?

 

Replace!!!

 

Not sure what the piece is called. Any chance you could give me a part #?
its one of the pieces that holds the larger bolt, on the right hand side as you sit on the bike, closest to the front wheel...also, any rubbers beneath this piece that i might as well replace while im down there?

 

I can't find an individual Part Number for it.

It's a Cam Shaft Thrust Bearing.
The side facing the Sprocket acts to prevent the Cam Shaft moving out of alignment.

It doubles as a Cam Cover Anchor point.
That's a big chunk.
You dodged a bulllet.

Although you might be inclined to JB-Weld it, ...
You are better-off replacing it.

Inspect the other one and be sure it isn't fractured.

 

Nothing rubber below, ask chacal if he has one available.