HELP: Leak Between the Rocker Cover and Head Cylinder
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 2
From: D.C.
Voon, my 2007 1200C leaks on the rear cylinder on the other side of the engine from yours. The oil level does not go down, the leak is small but the mess is big. It started at about 12,000 miles, I'm now at 14,900, the front cylinder's gaskets do not leak. I have the Cometic site book marked for when I make my move.
I'm going to make my move soon too. Tired of cleaning the rear cylinder
Voon, my 2007 1200C leaks on the rear cylinder on the other side of the engine from yours. The oil level does not go down, the leak is small but the mess is big. It started at about 12,000 miles, I'm now at 14,900, the front cylinder's gaskets do not leak. I have the Cometic site book marked for when I make my move.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
1200C & 9Vapors.......You do know there's bolts inside holding down each rocker plate,and not just those four allen head bolts on top, right?
And I used James Gaskets last time I went in my engine.
And I used James Gaskets last time I went in my engine.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Falls Church, Va.
I had the same problem. Get the manual, an inch pound torque wrench, new gaskets, and some long allen sockets with the ***** on the ends. It's not that hard, I did it and I have some mechanical skill.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
Thanks y'all, I have read several threads on this issue so I am aware of the weird construction of the head assembly. I have lots of tools all I need is a little courage. I guess I should do it now I'm due for an oil change in about 200 miles.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Cayman Islands
When I first got my '99 restoration project the tops in those areas leaked bad, cranking the engine and when the engine was running you could feel and hear the air coming out and of course oil too. Pulled it down and whichever retard that worked on the bike to replace the gaskets placed them in badly so they weren't sealing in places, crumpled and even torn in one spot. I didn't have any new seals and there's no dealer here for me to get them from so I took a gamble and used some Permatex gasket maker which I've used on cars for valve covers and such (might have been the high temp one, can't remember) and it worked like a charm, no leaks what-so-ever. And to be honest I'm considering using it onright side engine cover where the cams are cause I redid that one with a proper seal and I have a friggin leak and it was almost right away after installing it - no tears or anything. To be honest if the gasket maker stuff can be used for oil pumps/water pumps and such on cars I don't see why it can't work for there too.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 2
From: D.C.
WJtater: I will most likely do it myself. I called two dealers and one indy in my area and they all quoted me two hours of work for just one head, all around $176-190 for the labor + $40 in parts. That sounds awfully expensive to replace a gasket.
They told me that there are 3 types of gaskets in the rocker box and that I'd have to replace all of them.
Newbie question: what is an one inch pound torque wrench? :-)
They told me that there are 3 types of gaskets in the rocker box and that I'd have to replace all of them.
Newbie question: what is an one inch pound torque wrench? :-)
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I use this conversion program all the time. Proves very handy in the barn on the laptop....
click here
click here
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 2
From: D.C.
I use this conversion program all the time. Proves very handy in the barn on the laptop....
click here
click here