GS1000e leaks more after fixing the leak!

[Guest]

Okay guys, I've been lurking here a few months, following a lot of great advice, so thank you. I have an '82 GS1100E and I've been chasing an oil leak for a while now. I completed a valve adjustment, replaced the valve cover gasket, half moons and the infamous #17 o-rings that leak. Yes I used a torque wrench on everything. The oil leaks from the front of the engine between cylinders 2 and 3 got worse. I pulled it apart again and checked to see if I damaged the o-rings but they looked perfect. This time I put a thin coat of RTV on them and reinstalled. I buttoned everything up, again torquing to specs. Still leaks more than before I tried to fix the leak. It leaks quite a bit now, wrapping around the motor and spraying on my jeans. Any ideas on what I could have done wrong?

[SqDancerLynn1]

Sounds like you did everything right Maybe a head gasket ?

[RedRocket]

Maybe a head gasket ?

Seems to be coming from above that, and it leaked less immediately before valve adjustment and replacing seals. If it were the head gasket I would think it would have stayed the same as before doing the work.

[hikermikem]

I'd start with the tach drive... easy fix to replace the seal & o-ring.

[greg78gs750]

the foot spray trick works a treat for finding oil leaks..
i don't "think" the tach drive would leak enough to spray your legs down, but ya never know .

[bwringer]

OEM valve cover gasket?

The valve cover gaskets on these engines also slip out of place with maddening ease.

[tkent02]

Also if the can chain tensioner leaks it can go up and forward to the front. Sneaky one, that.

[RedRocket]

I'm on the hunt

Yes, used a new OEM valve cover gasket. The old gasket was removed very carefully. The new gasket is not leaking.Yes I cleaned the engine well, then used the foot powder trick before starting this. I think it's time to do it again. I always have the weird ones and have things fail that have never failed for any one else. I'll let you know what happens. No time this weekend, but maybe next. I don't think anything is cracked and I'm fairly certain it's not the head gasket. Thanks for the help.

[tom203]

Next time you retorque cam cover bolts, start at center (between 2 and 3) and work your way to ends. Try doing in two go's - maybe 2/3 torque first go and finish later. I let mine sit after first go and then finish up to high end. corrosion makes it difficult to be exact.