Leaking Oil From Cylinder Head

[SharpMan]

Hey y'all,

This is the first time I've experienced this issue with any bike. I had a leak on a crankcase cover on an FZ. Gasket was super easy to replace.

It looks like a major PITA on the VMax to replace the head gaskets. It looks like I'll have to take the carbs off for sure. Coolant was FILTHY. Definitely oil in there along with a bunch of sediment, likely from rubber hoses.

Anybody have experience with this? Any tips? I plan on replacing the gaskets, bolts, and rubber mounts. Thanks

 

[02GF74]

Do you really mean cylinder head or cam cover?

 

[SharpMan]

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/yamaha/motorcycle/2003/v-max-vmx12r/cylinder-head
Cylinder head cover according to the diagram

 

[desert_max]

The photos above indicate leaking of the valve cover gasket, not the head gasket. Not exactly a walk in the park, but a bit more straightforward than pulling the heads. Common problem on aging first generation Vmax. And yes, replace gaskets and the grommets.

 

[DreamV4]

Clean with brake cleaner and tooth brush, retighten bolts, use RTV. It will delay work for unknown time. It can leak 1 drop/week thru gasket hole 1/16"

 

[desert_max]

Clean with brake cleaner and tooth brush, retighten bolts, use RTV. It will delay work for unknown time. It can leak 1 drop/week thru gasket hole 1/16"

Don’t do this. If you want to fix it, fix it right. If you want to guess at how long your Kluge might or might not work, then follow this recommendation.

 

[MaxMidnight]

Anybody have experience with this? Any tips? I plan on replacing the gaskets, bolts, and rubber mounts.

Before splashing out I trust that you have checked the torque of the fasteners?

No need to replace the fasteners unless you have too much money or they are particularly grotty. Also I've never had the fastener seals leak so they will be re-usable.

Whilst the gasket doesn't need sealer a light smear will hold it in place while you wrestle the cover back on.
Also put a little around the D part of it.

 

[SharpMan]

Before splashing out I trust that you have checked the torque of the fasteners?

No need to replace the fasteners unless you have too much money or they are particularly grotty. Also I've never had the fastener seals leak so they will be re-usable.

Whilst the gasket doesn't need sealer a light smear will hold it in place while you wrestle the cover back on.
Also put a little around the D part of it.

I think it's best to replace the rubber bits. It's been a neglected bike before I rescued it.

 

[MaxMidnight]

I think it's best to replace the rubber bits. It's been a neglected bike before I rescued it.

Your choice of course but they are easy enough to change if required and at some $7 each they would cost more than the gasket.

 

[desert_max]

They are pricey, I'm not going to lie.

 

[ouchez]

Hey y'all,

This is the first time I've experienced this issue with any bike. I had a leak on a crankcase cover on an FZ. Gasket was super easy to replace.

It looks like a major PITA on the VMax to replace the head gaskets. It looks like I'll have to take the carbs off for sure. Coolant was FILTHY. Definitely oil in there along with a bunch of sediment, likely from rubber hoses.

Anybody have experience with this? Any tips? I plan on replacing the gaskets, bolts, and rubber mounts. Thanks

View attachment 80841

View attachment 80842

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My 05 sits all winter in the garage, in the Spring when I first start it it leaks a small amount from the head gasket like yours, but after driving it a few times it stops and does not do it again until the next year, and repeat, repeat.

 

[CaptainKyle]

Your choice of course but they are easy enough to change if required and at some $7 each they would cost more than the gasket.

I always use factory valve cover gaskets but as far as the grommets I have used K&l plenty of times and they work great and are much cheaper.

 

[SharpMan]

Your choice of course but they are easy enough to change if required and at some $7 each they would cost more than the gasket.

Do you think I should replace the bolts? They're backordered until January. Pretty pissed about it lol

 

[desert_max]

Not the bolts. No need.

 

[DreamV4]

Don’t do this. If you want to fix it, fix it right. If you want to guess at how long your Kluge might or might not work, then follow this recommendation.

Everybody has right to choose 3 hours work or 5 min. work... I strongly suggest to follow advice of Desert-max!

 

[desert_max]

No offense DV4, just not everybody is looking for cheap, temporary shortcuts.

 

[MaxMidnight]

Do you think I should replace the bolts? They're backordered until January. Pretty pissed about it lol

Short answer is no.
Why do you feel the need to replace them?

 

[DreamV4]

20 years ago I bought Saturn SL, it had part of transmission shell missing a piece about 4" x 5". I drilled holes around big one, cut tread and installed tin patch. After that I was driving it for about a year.

 

[desert_max]

20 years ago I bought Saturn SL, it had part of transmission shell missing a piece about 4" x 5". I drilled holes around big one, cut tread and installed tin patch. After that I was driving it for about a year.

As long as it didn't rattle, why not? For once, I have to confess I might have resorted to something similar. Frankly, in Arizona with infrequent rain, I probably wouldn't have bothered to do anything.

 

[DreamV4]

it wouldn't hold ATF w/o patch.