I have a 85 evo which has a leak that seems to be the top of the tappet guide/ bottom of pushrod. what is the simple way to fix it. It seems to be on the inside pushrods only. Do I need to remove the guide? Also I have the chrome tappet guide covers. Can the original guide block be polished or chromed.

 

It sounds like maybe the o ring at the bottom of the push rod covers. I just replaced mine when I replaced the pushrods. They actually had the o rings in stock at the dealer. I'm no expert by far, but I don't see a way to replace the o rings without removing the pushrods. If you have adjustable pushrods that will adjust down short enough to remove, then it'll be a quick fix. If you have stock pushrods, then I believe it will involve some removal of the top end, or bolt cutters. Some of the experts will be along shortly and may know a better way, but it sure sounds like it's leaking at that o ring.
KC

 

Could be O ring, could be cracked cases. If its O ring then you need to pull the rocker gear to get the pushrods out so you can replace the O ring....no magic short cuts I'm afraid :-(

 

could be blowback from the carb pooling

 

I would clean it up real good and make sure you know where the leak is before trying to fix it. Does sound like the pushrod cover though. But since both intakes seem to be leaking, it could sure be blow back from the carb also. Is the bottom of your air cleaner oily? If it is the pushrod "O" ring, you might try pulling it apart and reinstalling it. Some times that will cure the leak. Maybe just turn the "O" ring 180 deg. Sure beats removing the rockers.

 

Oh, but there is a short cut...

Cut those old pushrods out with a bolt cutter and replace them with a set of quick install adjustable pushrods.

Doubtful that the cases are cracked, cracks between the lifter block mount areas was a problem on the `90 model years and later.

I suggest taking Jim Krafts advice before you do anything else.

 

Before you do ANYTHING!!! Find out what is leaking. Clean area spotless..pressure washer is best (used with common sense...don't hold it too close)...then dry...leaf blower or compressed air. Then spray the entire area with Arrid extra dry deodorant..yep deodorant...it will make a white powder mess...crank engine...it will now be very apparent what it leaking.

 

Damn, never heard of that one, makes perfect sense.....

 

Or cheap talcum powder....only way to find those leaks.

 

If you have to replace the o rings, I would definetly cut the old pushrods out and replace with quick install adjustable ones, as Dan said. I just installed the Screamin Eagle quick installs in mine. It's an easy job. Comes with simple instructions for adjusting.