Triumphrat

ryclea

How difficult is it to replace a cam cover seal? I haven't done any serious engine work before, but I can't afford an expensive repair and I really hate the service department at my local Triumph dealer (the one that rhymes with Motoprimo).

Last summer, the day after the 35W bridge collapsed, I got stuck in a gawker pileup and my Bonnie started overheating to the point of smoking. I killed the engine and then restarted whenever traffic moved. This went on for an hour. When I got home and inspected the bike, it was as I feared and there was oil seeping out from under the cam covers. Once I had cleared the traffic jam, the bike was running fine, so I don't think there was any engine damage, so I cleaned it up and monitored it for leakage. I didn't see any more leakage, but due to work and weather, I didn't ride more than about 10 miles at a time for the remainder of the season. I was foolishly hoping the seal had been breeched but not broken.

So yesterday, I got my tabs, changed my oil and went out for my first ride of the season and after about half an hour the bike got sluggish and I smelled oil. I got home without incident and sure enough, there was fresh leakage. BikeBandit has the part for $22, but I'm wondering if this is something I can tackle myself or if I should suck it up and bring the bike in. It doesn't help that the dealership is 40 miles away, so I would have to trailer it.

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uzidzit

what is this sluggish stuff about, is it making odd engine sounds?

it is an easy job just be real clean, and use an inch pounds wrench to reinstall. I use just a tiny tiny bit or sealer but some do not like this.

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"Peter, It seems like you have been missing a lot of work recently, well Bob I wouldn't say that I've been missing it"
ENOUGH, go out and ride!

CAPTDON

Yeah the "sluggish" thijng has me puzzled as well? The valve cover seal should have NOTHING to do w/ engine performance!! The valve cover seal is "kinda" tricky to do if you you arent mechanically "ept'! The bolts that hold the cover are REAL sensitive to torque! Into alluminum! Over do it & you are well 'Screwed"! Use a torque wrench & some sealent & you should be OK. Over time these covers seem to geta little warped due to heat. Make sure to use a new gasket & new bolt seals. Also make sure the surface is real cleAN & DRY BEFORE DOING IT! Let all stand for some time before riding her. If you had a friend w/ a milling machine- that would ensure a perefect fit!! Not THAT important!! Triumph coulda done a better job w/ fastening the valve cover to the engine!! It works- but is very "fragile" in re-doing! Have seen better! Good luck & let all know why the "sluggishness" on a valve cover problem?

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CAPT D

SHRuuM

+1 on what UZIDZIT said

inspect the rubber seal and if its not damaged clean the head surface with paint thinner or de-natured alcohol and use a little sealer on the cam side to hold the gasket in place when you wrestle the cam bucket back on....its a tight fit. Myself, I used "Indian" permatex sealer on the cam,clutch and alt. covers when I did my shim adjustments and no leaks after six "hot runs and cool downs". But to each his own, you can "dry" on the gaskets as well. Today I did 125miles of aggressive riding and everything seems to be A-OK, no leaks. She's ready for the daily job commute of 120mi.

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Mods:Predators/fork stabilizer/AI removed/Keihin CR-S carbs/RaceTech fork springs/Nology wires&coil/Iridium plugs/Traxxion emulators/LSL sliders & damper/Napolean mirrors/Monza fuel cap/19t front sprkt/flyscreen/Pazzo Levers/Ohlins 36PL shocks

ryclea

I wasn't sure myself if the sluggishness was related to the leak or not. It felt like I was running out of gas so I switched to reserve and then filled up with only 2.5 gallons. The old gas was from November and had Stabil in it and I ran the bike at least weekly all winter long, so I ruled out bad gas or a dirty petcock filter, I figured if oil was leaking then air must be too, which would cause a drop in compression, right?

Many years ago, I seized and destroyed the two stroke engine in my first bike, so I'm a bit of a hypochondriac where oil is concerned. I see a lot of other posts about leaky cam covers so I see I'm not alone. Is this something I need to fix immediately before riding again? I think I will attempt this repair myself. I do, for some reason, own a torque wrench.

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Baltobonneville

Don't over-torque the bolts.

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Marty
2005 Bonneville Blue 790cc, AI removed, Staintunes RC, Unifilter, no snorkel, 120/40/Thrux needle/1 shim/3 turns, fly screen, tacho, D9 gauge panel, center stand, Ikon 7610s, Hagon fork springs, gaiters, Pirelli Sport Demons, 3 seats.

sweatmachine

um, no. It's a cam cover gasket, not a head gasket. Big difference.

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Click for a picture of my slightly modified Bonnie

nwraindevel

Take it to the dealer.

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ryclea

I'm ordering the new seal from Bike Bandit. I don't know if I can wait to ride before installing it. Spring in Minnesota is a c***tease. I have to ride tomorrow because it might f***ing snow on Friday. Is a leaky cam cover seal anything to worry about? I'm not going to do damage am I?

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Baltobonneville

Not a problem if you don't mind wiping off the oil.

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Marty
2005 Bonneville Blue 790cc, AI removed, Staintunes RC, Unifilter, no snorkel, 120/40/Thrux needle/1 shim/3 turns, fly screen, tacho, D9 gauge panel, center stand, Ikon 7610s, Hagon fork springs, gaiters, Pirelli Sport Demons, 3 seats.