valve cover leaking after valve check

[GS Addict]

I'll stay with BMW's instructions, always done it that way, never had a problem.

"Caution: Make sure that all seals are correctly seated. Seals and sealing faces must be free from oil and grease."

[rocketman1]

From an engineering point of veiw, I would think that for gaskets that involve a turning part to tighten on them like a oil filter gasket then you would have to oil it so that the gasket does not pucker or mishapen went being twisted on.
But for a gasket that you are fastening a fixed part too. Like a valve gasket, then I would say it would need to be dry.
If the gasket in this case is oiled then there is a chance that when it is tightened upon by the valve cover, there could chance that it would slide/squeeze to some extent away from the joint. And maybe leak a bit
Sounds logical aye

[Dan Alexander]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

Clean, dry is not necessary or preferred. Jim

That's what I thought ... thanks

I recall from my K-bike days that valve cover gaskets worked much better at stopping leaks when they had a light coat of oil. Helps the seal to 'seal' it seems

[def]

Originally Posted by MotorradMike

You sure about the 9Nm def?
I have 8Nm.
Not being picky, that's over 10%.

Just a small excerpt from my 2001 BMW REPROM;

• Install cylinder head cover.
e Caution:
Make sure that gaskets are correctly seated. Gaskets
and sealing faces must be free from oil and
grease.
X Tightening torque:
Cover screw............................................. ...... 9 Nm

I snug these fasteners by hand using a screwdriver handle. No torque wrench.

Am I sure about these torque values?

You be the judge.

[Mr Head]

In 40 years of working on and riding motorcycles I have always assembled valve covers dry and clean.

[pcwirepro]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

Clean, dry is not necessary or preferred.

http://www.jimvonbaden.com/R1200_24K.html

Jim

My testimony of you just got shot to hell.

Just kidding.

[def]

Look, if JVB has success with his procedure, I wanna know about it.

Here's what I do when I remove my OHV gaskets. I use a paper towel to clean them and dry them of oil using care not to damage the mounting tabs . Then, I use another paper towel to wipe clean the mating surfaces on the OHV cover and cylinder head. I examine the donut for damage and re-seat it correctly on the OHV cover spark plug gallery.

Next, I check the valve mufflers to insure they are fixed correctly to their respective mountings. (How many of you even re-install these things under your OHV covers?)

Then, I hang the gasket carefully on the alignment stubs and fit the OHV cover straight onto the cylinder head. Don't cock the OHV cover. That's how the donut gets off center and eventually leaks.

I snug (careful here...snug only...no torque wrench needed...like you're bottoming a screw into soft wood) the 4 OHV cover bolts beginning at the bottom working up to the top.

No runs, no hits, no errors and no leaks. Oh, and by the way, I use synthetic engine oil which reputedly causes oil leaks.

[def]

A comment on the use of a torque wrench, I don't use one except on the rear wheel bolts.

Torque wrenches, especially the beam and pointer design are inaccurate and often make tightening a fastener clumsy and potentially inaccurate.

Develop a feel for the tightening of the various fasteners you routinely install. For example, the oilhead has 8 valve adjustor nuts that must be snugged each time valve lash is disturbed and reset. I never use a torque wrench for this. Develop a feel for the correct amount of torque to apply. Its common sense.

Think about securing a wood screw into soft wood...how much force do you apply to eliminate the chance of stripping out the wood threads? Use the same thought process when securing fasteners onto you bike or car. You are often better off with less torque rather than more. Also, are you threading into ferrour or non-ferrous parent material? It makes a difference. Alloy is buttery and thread damage is likely if you over tighten.

Yes, a torque wrench is needed if you are tightening engine, clutch and wheel fasteners. The rest? I use feel. I have yet to loose a screw or bolt on my 2001 GS and have not lost a thread.

[Dan Alexander]

^

Tighter till you feel it just loosen and then leave it alone.

[def]

Originally Posted by Dan Alexander

^

Tighter till you feel it just loosen and then leave it alone.

....and then, go get a Helicoil...yer gonna need it.

[Dan Alexander]

I read that in a guys sig line somewhere, thought it was pretty funny as I've done it a few times myself ... not intentionally but it does teach what you describe to a T.

As in life, You never know how far you can go till you go too far a few times

[pcwirepro]

I just installed Helicoils on all 8 holes. Previous owner and dealer made a mess of them.

[def]

Originally Posted by pcwirepro

I just installed Helicoils on all 8 holes. Previous owner and dealer made a mess of them.

Nowadays, I have little reason to remove the OHV covers on my 2001. The valve lash just doesn't require adjustment that often...maybe annually. Well, if reasonable care is used, you'll never experience damaged OHV cover threads. But, one episode with a mechanic with poor skills or little experience and....well, its Helicoil time as you point out.

It is unlikely you'll ever have problems with these threads again (leave the torque wrench in the toolbox).

Wish you had photos.

[MotorradMike]

Originally Posted by def

Just a small excerpt from my 2001 BMW REPROM;

• Install cylinder head cover.
e Caution:
Make sure that gaskets are correctly seated. Gaskets
and sealing faces must be free from oil and
grease.
X Tightening torque:
Cover screw............................................. ...... 9 Nm

I snug these fasteners by hand using a screwdriver handle. No torque wrench.

Am I sure about these torque values?

You be the judge.

Hmmm

My Haynes covers all 1100 and 1150 models and says 8Nm.
My cd from BMW doesn't cover the1150(just the 1100GS) but also says 8Nm for that model.
I wonder if they changed the spec for 1150s and Haynes got it wrong???

BTW:
Whenever I see a member quote a torque spec not strong in my memory, I look it up if I have time.
Nobody here wants to help someone hurt their bike.
Just good practice IMHO.
No harm, no foul.

[lhendrik]

Originally Posted by def

Next, I check the valve mufflers to insure they are fixed correctly to their respective mountings. (How many of you even re-install these things under your OHV covers?)

What is a valve muffler?