airhead valve cover oil leak -- easy fix??

[lkchris]

Originally Posted by bmwrench

You are experiencing the effect of a warped cylinder head. 81 on heads are prone to this.

... or the effects of some dummy previous owner trying to pry the cover off after removing only the center nut.

OE gaskets are "installed dry" because they are made with a built-on adhesive that will indeed stick them to the cylinder head. That is, put the side with lettering next to head.

Silicone gaskets are a leaking solution, but they are a PITA to work with.

You'll know you have the R cover on the left when you note the fins not parallel to the ground (not even close). And vice versa.

[AirScoop]

Last update from me on this thread: turns out I still had a tiny leak even with the double gasket, so I removed the valve cover and rotated it so the "L" faced down. Took the bike for a ride and no more leak! I'm guessing the valve cover is warped in such a way as to not leak near the bottom when installed right side up. Left both gaskets in anyway.

Thanks to all for your help and great ideas!

Dave