Oil pouring from engine top

Nessism wrote: Looks like the tach gear is missing.

Since you need to check the valve adjustment regardless I'd start by pulling the valve cover. You will need a new valve cover gasket of course. Maybe new cam half moon seals too. And of course figure out what happened to the tach gear assembly.

Are you sure? I thought the tach drive went into the cover rather than the head. Also, the small boss next to the hole does not seem to be drilled to accept the clamp screw.

TexasKZ wrote:

Nessism wrote: Looks like the tach gear is missing.

Since you need to check the valve adjustment regardless I'd start by pulling the valve cover. You will need a new valve cover gasket of course. Maybe new cam half moon seals too. And of course figure out what happened to the tach gear assembly.

Are you sure? I thought the tach drive went into the cover rather than the head. Also, the small boss next to the hole does not seem to be drilled to accept the clamp screw.

The tach gear is in the head, not cover.

On second review, I agree that the clamp screw hole is not drilled.

Sometimes photos can deceive but it looks like this engine is silver, not black like a normal '80 750E engine. The cam cover shape suggests a latter engine too. Maybe an engine swap was performed with a late engine that had an electronic tach? An LTD or Spector engine? In which case that would explain the missing tach gear.

This thread reminds me of a dog chasing his own tail...only we are the dog. It sure would help to have all the pertinent details on the situation before we go off spinning in circles.

Regardless of the tach drive business, it's time to pull the valve cover anyway. The valves must be adjusted so just plan on replacing the gasket at the same time and be done with the oil leak.

You are correct, Nessism. I found some better pics of other 750 s and can clearly see where the drive goes. You are also correct abut the other points. Could be that the cover is really loose. Could be aliens

Do you mean remove this cover? I know I'm a dumb ass but don't want to screw anything up

It wasn't coming from here but I'm gonna have to replace head by the look of it

A previous owner really screwed that engine up.

Some more pictures if any help?

Unz wrote: Do you mean remove this cover? I know I'm a dumb ass but don't want to screw anything up

Yes that cover
About 20 bolts as I remember and keep tract of where they came from. I think they might be two different sizes. I use an old cereal box or similar light cardboard. Draw a rough outline of the valve cover and use a Philips screw driver to poke hole in the cardboard where the bolts go. As you remove a bolt put it in the corresponding hole in your cardboard.
Tip on removing those bolts. First starting in the middle just loosen each bolt 1/2 turn in a star pattern from the center outward. Not that anything would be hurt if you don't but its good practice to always remove and replace a multi fastener cover like that. Factory Service Manual (FSM) outlines the correct pattern to use when re-tightening.

650ed wrote: A previous owner really screwed that engine up.

Well at least that bolt.

I've seen that type of break fixed with JB Weld and greased up bolt. Because there isn't much torque on that bolt I'd try the repair first. Not to say the inside of the cover doesn't reveal more problems and may require a new head. But if that is the only problem no reason to replace the head because of that bolt. My question is what is holding that bolt in? He may have glued it to the cover just to plug the hole!

650ed wrote: A previous owner really screwed that engine up.

looking like your right .... But I'm going to carry on!
I broke my back 20 years ago an can't ride a bike, but a trike is perfect, thanks for all your help guys, I'll leave you alone to get on with your own projects

The engine in that bike is not a 1980 engine. It's a later model year engine, '82 or later, that does not have a mechanical tach drive.

Yes, on pulling the valve cover. You really should adjust the valves anyway so this is no big deal. If adjusting the valves is beyond your ability then you got a long tough road going forward. Without sounding overly snarky, I say sell the bike now, or at least take it to someone that knows how to wrench. You got yourself a 35 year old bike that needs constant maintenance. Learning how to do this stuff goes hand and hand with owning a bike that old. Oh, and please focus on getting the bike running properly before you go off modding the hell out of the thing. First things first.

Oh, and all the valve cover screws are the same size except the 4 on the ends of the cover. Doing the cardboard cut out business is unnecessary.

I'm still shaking my head over the rough casting. MAN :blink:
Steve