[Guest]

I had oil seeping from what appeared to be the cam cover gasket on my '06 Bonnie. The dealer said it was a rubber grommet that was pinched at the factory. After I took it in they confirmed their diagnosis and replaced said grommet. A few weeks later I was still getting the seepage. I return to the dealer who now says that the bolts that hold the cam cover down are coming loose. They say that the torque specs call for hardly more than finger tight. They torqued down the bolts and applied Loc-tite. One thorough washing and two rides later I am still getting oil seeping out! The dealer suggests I bring it in again! What can I do about this? I feel like I'm getting the run around. Every trip to the dealer is more than 100 miles one way. Have I got a lemon? If any one has advice to give on my situation or what I should say to the dealer I would gladly accept it.

 

[sweatmachine]

no lemon, a lot of them do that. Mine used to.

If you're able, here's what to do.

Take the cover off, and wipe it and the head clean of all oil around the gasket contact points. Run a 1/16'' bead of Red RTV gasket maker/sealer along the groove in the gasket.

Be sure there is no oil left on the top edge of the head where the gasket will contact it. Replace the cam cover (with the RTV on it) and tighten it a few turns, let it sit an hour, then torque to spec.

Reinstall everything, and wait 24 hours before running the bike.

Should never leak again, unless you pull the cover to do a valve check/adjust.

Mine leaked, but hasn't in about 13,000 miles.

RTV is about 5 bucks at any auto parts store, and it will take less than an hour of your time not including waiting.

Sure, the dealer should be able to fix it. SHOULD.

 

[sweatmachine]

ok dumb question, and I should know the answer:

What is a heli-coil? I saw one the other day at the auto parts store, or at least I saw a box that said Heli-Coil on it...

 

[MES]

a brief description and picture of a helicoil

basically it is a spring like thingy that you use when you strip out a bolt hole.
May you never need one.
they work, but only just

seepage around the cam cover is not rare. RTV works well

 

[Guest]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Brooksie]

Perhaps the dealer is not familiar with the art of angle torque when it comes to engine bolts.

 

[Baltobonneville]

One or more of the other discussion threads on this topic mention that the bolts for the cam cover are designed to bottom out when fully screwed down, and therefore you cannot tighten them down on the gasket "a bit more" without risking the stripping described here.

Apparently the gasket has to sit just right, possibly with a bit of sealant--although I'd be very careful about the quantity used--and the screws should NOT be over-torqued.

My dealer replaced the gasket under warranty and it hasn't leaked since, in 2000+ miles. I suppose that the mechanic knew how to do it correctly, and I have an idea of what to do and not do if it happens again. (My warranty expires in april.)

 

[Sheepdog]

I guess I won't be buying those chrome valve covers...whew! I haven't had a bit of the trouble described, though I did have a leaky clutch pivot (successfully repaired under warranty).