Weeping half moons

[ryonker]

I just finished my first valve clearance and it went great.

However, when I did it, only one of the half moons was loose and popped out. So I used a little ultra black and popped it back in.

Now, after running the engine, it looks like a couple of the other half moons a weeping a tiny bit of oil. They seemed really tight so I didn't bother taking them out and re-sealing them.

Is this a big deal? What should I do?

Thanks!

Rick

[Steve]

If they are not leaking, don't worry about them now, but order a set of 4 for the next valve adjust. New ones are nice and soft, and will not leak.


By the way, how did the spreadsheet work for you?
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[82Shafty]

They are cheap, as rubber ages with the heating/cooling process it hardens, grab a new set, some gasket sealer (brown gooey stuff) and set in place... No more leaks here.

I don't like doing things twice... do it right the first time and enjoy the riding time.

[doctorgonzo]

I wish I had replaced mine at last valve adjust (about 1500 miles ago). I just zoned out on it, and didn't think about it. They weep a bit. Really only oil I lose anywhere now. I'll get them next time.

[ironsheik]

You don't even need to fully remove the valve cover to replace them and you'll be happy to not have to clean oil off your engine. I would order a new set and do it. Also get some threebond 1211 (or is it 1121?) sealant. Bikebandit carries it. They'll still leak without a proper seal. Just use a tiny bit. Good luck.

Josh

[Tom MLC]

Those half moons are notorious for popping out. Especially if you use too much goop when you install them. A tip for you is to install them backwards.

[Steve]

Also get some threebond 1211 (or is it 1121?) sealant. Bikebandit carries it. They'll still leak without a proper seal. Just use a tiny bit.

and only put that 'tiny bit' on the rounded part. If you put it on top, too, it will stick to the gasket, which can already be hard enough to remove.

.

[salty_monk]

I put mine in backwards on the G but not enough room on the skunk so they are in the right way.

If backwards & leaking a tiny amount, clean it up & put a smear of silicon or gasket maker or RTV or something on the outside... worked for me.

Not sure you could do this if you put them in the "right way", probably but you'd need more than a smear.

One thing to note (& I believe it's why I got a dribble on one on my G)... A realgasket has such low torque figures it doesn't really compress the plugs, fine if they are seated hard & are used but new ones don't seat that well, benefit from a bit more pressure on the top of them.

Dan

[ryonker]

I just took out the weepers (3 out of 4) and put a little ultra black silicone gasket maker stuff. It worked on the other one. I will see if this works. I will still order another set of the little buggers.

Thanks for your help!

Rick

[49er]

Ali Half Moons

A German machinist was advertising aluminium ones at a reasonable price on Ebay, a couple of years back. I bought a set, glued them in place at the deck height and have had no trouble with leaks since. I disturbed the cover to do a valve clearance check after 8000 kms and was able to button it up again, relying on the vesrah paper gasket, with no leaks.

I could have made my own, but the time spent wasn't worth the effort, especially at his price.