Valve cover gasket

My valve cover gasket leaks a little on the sides. No bad but enough to keep an eye on the oil. Was wondering how much of a pain it is to change it. Was told by someone else to just slap some silicone sealant on the outside but I wanna do things right. Friend of mine said that it looked like the motor had to come out to do it. Was hoping that wasnt the case.
Eddie

Hog wash. I get my gaskets from suppliers in my Good guys thread.
Steve
kzrider.com/forum/13-bike-related/599607-the-good-guys

The only time I've ever been able to get an aftermarket cam cover gasket to not leak, weep or seep, is by using very thin film of some kind of gasket sealer.
I have read here on this website or many builders are not using any gasket sealer on their dry cam cover gasket.
I just put my head back on and replaced my cam cover gasket this weekend and tried it with no sealer. Only a thin film of grease to keep it from sticking, to see how it would work ...and although hot oil is not pouring out, it is seeping a little bit.
So when I check the valve/shim lash again in a few weeks, I'll see if I can wash it all down clean and try going back to using a very thin film of black high temp silicone sealer.
It's easy to clean off and previously, I had used the same old gasket three times or more prior to this.
I bought the cover gasket from the source Steve recommended.

Ok cool that's not bad. But the engine doesn't have to come off the frame does it? I'm hoping I can do it on the frame. Don't mind taking the tank off but don't wanna practically disassemble the bike.

Eddie

You should be able to get the valve cover off by taking the tank off and removing the coils. That should give you enough room to get the cover off. Check your valve clearances while you have it off.

Will do. Thanks a bunch!!

Eddie

Whoever told you to remove engine to remove the valve cover was pulling your leg or they really do not have a clue about the bike. Ed

650ed wrote: Whoever told you to remove engine to remove the valve cover was pulling your leg or they really do not have a clue about the bike. Ed

I agree lol

Eddie

Ive always got along just fine with just treating with a thin film of grease.be carefull not to lift your cam cap ends,you could discover an expencive PITA $$

The old Honda 750's had to have the engine out to service the head. That's one reason I liked the Kaw's soo much.
Steve

missionkz wrote: The only time I've ever been able to get an aftermarket cam cover gasket to not leak, weep or seep, is by using very thin film of some kind of gasket sealer..

+1 Especially across the top area where the rubber plugs are.

EDD88 wrote: Will do. Thanks a bunch!!

Eddie

Be careful about torqueing the cover bolts. I think some manuals spec 110 inch-pounds but IMHO, 60 - 70 IP is more than enough. I use a short 10mm wrench and do it by hand gradually increasing pressure in the tightening pattern shown in the manual.