Always had a tiny bit of oil around the bottom of the cylinder head, just enough to keep it wet so that sand would stick to the scoop in front of it. The first time I tentatively tightened the cylinder head bolt, it fixed the problem but it would always return especially after a wash.
However this time when checking the valves I decided to be more aggressive with the cylinder head tightening. The first time I just broke the bolts one at a time and tightened them up. This time I broke all the bolt plus loosened them a little bit more. Then I tightened them all up in the correct sequence to the maximum 29ft/lbs
To my astonishment after washing the area with some kerosene and then soapy water, it was nice and clean and it stayed that way during the past three days when I've taken it for a good fang. This time it is not leaking at all. Even after a wash, even with lighter weight oil in it.
(https://s3.postimg.org/5al3roj5v/image.jpg)
FWIW, my Haynes manual specifies that the cylinder head should be tightened (properly) every 4k miles.
Quote from: Suzi Q on March 14, 2017, 06:42:23 AM
FWIW, my Haynes manual specifies that the cylinder head should be tightened (properly) every 4k miles.
And the user manual says it too, but I suspect a lot of people don't do it because it seems like a lot of hassle for no reason, but it really does have a big effect on oil seepage. Just do it!
Quote from: Suzi Q on March 14, 2017, 06:42:23 AM
FWIW, my Haynes manual specifies that the cylinder head should be tightened (properly) every 4k miles.
If you're being a diligent owner you're up there to check valve clearances anyway...
Quote from: Watcher on March 14, 2017, 07:56:49 AM
Quote from: Suzi Q on March 14, 2017, 06:42:23 AM
FWIW, my Haynes manual specifies that the cylinder head should be tightened (properly) every 4k miles.
If you're being a diligent owner you're up there to check valve clearances anyway...
True dat. How many people actually swap out the gaskets on valve check? Trying to decide for myself...
While I had my fairings off to replace my front turn signals, I also noticed some oil seepage. I should be checking my valve clearances sometime in the near future anyway (bike has around 12,000 miles on it, I got it at 10,600 and I don't know if they've ever been checked). My feeler gauges from amazon arrived recently, so it's on the to-do list. I was thinking of replacing the gasket when I do the job, but if tightening the bolts will solve the problem, maybe I won't worry about ordering a new gasket...I'd also be interested in knowing how many of you swap your gaskets when you check valve clearances.
You mean the valve cover gasket? Haven't needed to so far, as long as you're careful. Gonna get new o rings for the valve cover bolts though.
Quote from: Suzi Q on March 14, 2017, 08:39:55 AM
True dat. How many people actually swap out the gaskets on valve check? Trying to decide for myself...
I replaced the valve cover gasket at about 30k mile intervals on my 97 and 02 GSs and checked valves at about 8k mile intervals give or take 1k miles.
As far as tightening the valve cover bolts to stop leakage they are shoulder bolts and won't sqeeze the gasket any more unless they were left loose.
I never retightened head bolts, the only time I torqued head bolts in 180k GS miles was when I pulled the head to replace a broken exhaust valve caused by a tjght bucket.
Thanks for the comments on the gasket. As to the head bolts, I have the same seepage he describes, so I'll be doing it @ 4700 miles. :thumb: