leaking oil from the valve cover, help!

[Jerobi]

I recently did the points gap and timing on my '78 750E but messed up the first time trying to do it by setting the timing to the mark after the F in the window instead of the one before it. Now there's oil leaking from where I think is the valve cover cap (see pic) and there's a nasty rattle coming from that area when I give it throttle (see vid). What should I do? If you can't already tell I'm pretty much a newbie at this so any help is appreciated. Thanks!



the rattle in the video starts at about 17sec. but stop watching before it gets to 30 because I move the camera way to close to the bike oops.

[eil]

The only way to fix the leak is to remove the valve cover and install a new gasket (OEM only!) and half-moon seals. And a new breather cover gasket since I _think_ you have to remove that as well to get the valve cover off.

Maybe you'll discover the source of the rattle while you're in there, maybe not... rattles are often very hard to pinpoint.

And while you have the valve cover off, you might as well check the valve clearances as well, if you haven't done it. (Or haven't done it in awhile.)

[Jerobi]

Ok thanks. When I got this bike I was kind of hoping that I wouldn't have to break into the engine since this is all new to me but I guess its time to learn. NO FEAR! if anybody in the San Diego area has some of the special tools and is down to help out a fellow GSer let me know. Got a lot of work a head of me

[eil]

It's not too big a job. You might even enjoy it. For me, the most annoying part was trying to scrape off all the old gasket material without damaging either mating surface.

Here's what you need, bearing in mind that I could very well be forgetting something:

- Repair manual (See BassCliff's site)
- Valve cover gasket
- Breather cover gasket (unless there's enough clearance on your bike that you don't have to remove it... wasn't the case on mine)
- Ignition cover gasket (because you'll need remove the ignition cover to turn the engine)

As for special tools:

1. Torque wrench when reinstalling the valve and breather covers. You don't stand a very good chance of getting the torque right for the cover bolts without one. If you want to buy one (recommended if you want to do your own maintenance), keep in mind that you get what you pay for. I spent around $100 on mine, a 1/4" 30-200 ins./lbs. GearWrench.

2. Metric feeler gauge with 0.01mm increments on the low end. This one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-02-to-1mm-...item485252d07e (But you don't have to buy from that seller.) It will ship from China and cost around $4 shipped. I'm pleased with the accuracy and at that price, you should buy two.

And you _may_ need an impact driver when removing the ignition cover screws. $20 at the local hardware store.

And you probably already know about the massive volume of information here and on BassCliff's site.

[DanTheMan]

No head gasket needed for pulling the valve cover, just the valve cover gasket.

[eil]

Ah yes, I meant valve cover gasket. Edited. Thanks!

[BassCliff]

Hi,

You should probably do this:

Valve Adjustments (8 Valve) (PDF file)

You'll find lots more regular maintenance items on my little website. Please read up.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Jerobi]

Thanks guys!