half moons popping out

[s276l]

Hey guys,

I checked the valves and used a new oem head gasket and half moons, no gasket sealer. Started it up and had a leak at 2 of the half moons. When I took it apart I tore the gasket so I replaced with a new oem along with the half moons. I sealed just the half moons, top and bottom, and the leaked stopped!!

...but now I take a 5 mile ride and 2 of the half moons popped out. The head cover breather and tube were clean as a whistle. Any ideas on how I can get this sealed up?

I set the head cover on the head with no gasket and the cover is warped pretty bad.

Thanks

[mike_of_bbg]

Use threebond (or yamabond, hondabond, or whatever) on the bottom of the half-moons. Put them in with the lip INSIDE the head. This will help keep them from popping out, plus reduce the noise of the camshafts slapping the end of the head.

[7981GS]

Stop using RTV! Throw it away!!!
Use Ultra-blue, black or gray instead and let it dry for an hour before riding.

Daniel

[hikermikem]

I set the head cover on the head with no gasket and the cover is warped pretty bad.

Thanks

I've "straightened" a few of those warped valve covers using a rubber mallet & a small piece of 2x4. Move the 2x4 under selective high spots & "persuade" the cover flat with the mallet. Keep checking it on something flat to see where you need to keep persuading.

You can get it pretty close if you take your time & don't go wild...

I also coat the VC gasket with a light layer of grease to help both seal & re-use it again...

[blowerbike]

install the half moons backwards and you will be ok.
no glue needed.
lips towards the camshafts.
simple eh?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I've started putting my "half moon" plugs in "backwards" too. Works great.




Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[sschering]

good tip. Made me look at the set I have here..

I have to wonder if anyone else here has a set of OEM half moons in their desk at work..

[tom203]

I've "straightened" a few of those warped valve covers using a rubber mallet & a small piece of 2x4. Move the 2x4 under selective high spots & "persuade" the cover flat with the mallet. Keep checking it on something flat to see where you need to keep persuading.

You can get it pretty close if you take your time & don't go wild...

I also coat the VC gasket with a light layer of grease to help both seal & re-use it again...

A sheet of plate glass on decent surface will act as a pretty flat surface plate to gauge high and low spots in your cover.