Leaking valve cover gasket on 1978 GS550

[Anonymous]

Hey gang.. it's been awhile...

I replaced the gasket when I checked the valve clearance a couple of months back.. It's been weeping oil around the whole perimeter of the gasket, even after re-torquing the head bolts.

Is this most likely a bad gasket? Any recommendations on replacement brands? Is there a product that I should use in conjunction with a gasket like gasket sealer?

1978 GS550

Thanks, Tim

[Anonymous]

Tim,

To re-torque the head bolts will do nothing for the valve cover gasket. I like OEM gaskets best, expensive but worth it. I would not suggest using anything on the gasket . You do need to make sure that both surfaces are clean and free of any old gasket material and are smooth, making sure not to damage the surface. Follow the manual on tightening the valve cover bolts and use a torque wrench.
BigBill

[first timer]

i had the same problem and when i pulled the head, the gasket was all mashed and bunched up. A bunch of us here in chicago have be using these real gaskets and they seem real quality

http://www.realgaskets.com/files/motorcycle.htm

give the guy a call and tell him you need a gasket for a 78 gs550, (adams gasket) the gasket he has on his website is for a 82gs550.

ryan

[Anonymous]

Bill

Thanks. I meant the valve cover bolts and not the head bolts.

I had re-torqued the valve bolts and it seemed to help, but then started weeping oil again after a couple of hundred miles.

I look for an OEM gasket.

Thanks for the reply

Regards, Tim