Posted by Max on May 15, 2003 at 07:39:38:
I took longer than normal trip last Friday and came home and parked the bike only to find it had marked it's spot from the oil dripping of the low side cylinder fins. Finally got around to fixing it this afternoon. Used a piece of cardboard to keep the cam cover bolts in order, great idea as there is large assortment of lengths and styles. My old rubber plug just lifted out and was almost a hard plastic rather than soft rubber,bike is a 96 with almost 19,000 miles. I am amazed it didn't move out of position and leak more than it did. It appears the cam cover actually serves as a stop or upper travel limit. I used a spot of "right stuff" sealer to hold it down even further. Retorqued the head while it was open and adjusted the valves also. Top of the engine is clean inside and cam chain looked to be in good shape.Cam looked new. Took me about 4 hours with the bike on a lift so it was easier to work on as it is held stright up and down and at chest level. Dealer didn't have metal gaskets that go under a few of the bolt heads so I used the RTV sealer "right stuff" on them also. It is an RTV that doesn't have a 24 hr cure period, can be used after assembly. Look in the auto parts store. Also used red aerobic sealer on the cam cover rather than the grey as I had it. Should work Ok as close tolerance machined surfaces is what it is designed for. Will advise if I have any leaks after tomorrow's runs. Max