Valve Cover issue!

[82ndCowboy]

Anyone know anything that may be causing my valve covers to leak?
First it was the front now the rear one is leaking.
I checked the bolts they are tight.
The front started about 10,000 miles and now the rear is leaking at 16,000.
Is there a vent tube somewhere that may be clogged up, that could be causing this?
It's not a major leak, just enough to wet the side of the cylinders. I've been meaning to have the front fixed for a while now, but don't feel like taring everything apart to fix it.
Thanks in advance!

 

[maleko89]

Gaskets are probably failing. Are they hard and cracked?

Are they stock Yamaha gaskets?

Mark
#1098

 

[4gasem]

Gaskets are probably failing. Are they hard and cracked?

Are they stock Yamaha gaskets?

Mark
#1098

Things for me to look forward too???

It's an '06 Mark so I bet it's all stock...

 

[maleko89]

That's weird that they're failing. Could be salty environment? Maybe the dealership didn't put them on right? I would check your crankcase vent just in case.

Mark
#1098

 

[4gasem]

That's weird that they're failing. Could be salty environment? Maybe the dealership didn't put them on right? I would check your crankcase vent just in case.

Mark
#1098

You think the dealer installs them?? :ummm::confused2:

 

[maleko89]

I have no idea what they do. I've only seen the big crate from the outside. Could be a bad batch of gaskets too. It could be the small round gaskets under each of the cover screws too.

Mark
#1098

 

[Mitchell]

That's weird that they're failing. Could be salty environment? Maybe the dealership didn't put them on right? I would check your crankcase vent just in case.

Mark
#1098

Hey Mark, I've been wondering about the crankcase vent system on the Vmax, so forgive me for asking a dumb rookie question. Does the crankcase vent run into a collector box of some kind and then vent out the bottom. If so, where is the vent box located and which tube is it:ummm: Thanks!

 

[maleko89]

It's a hose coming up between the "V". It attaches to the bottom-rear of the air box.

Mark
#1098

 

[Mitchell]

It's a hose coming up between the "V". It attaches to the bottom-rear of the air box.

Mark
#1098

Thanks, appreciate it:thumbs up:
Maybe the reason the valve cover gaskets may fail is that they've sit on a shelf at the factory for 22 years:hmmm:

I seriously doubt it. Heck, I still have the same rubber valve cover gaskets on my 87 Super Magna and they don't leak. But ya never know.

 

[4gasem]

My parents have a home in Florida and I can attest to the fact that 15 years here is like 2 years there. :whistlin:

Fiberglass fades/chalks WAY faster and rubber dries out quicker and wood rots like it's made of dog poo...:whistlin:

 

[one2dmax]

The newer rubber is not nearly as good as the older rubber gaskets were.

Sean

 

[shawn kloker]

I think something is up with the gaskets.I have a 2 year old set of stock ones that are already cracking.Sat on a shelf for many years?

Makes it leak while on the side stand.This has happened twice now with new ones.

 

[Mitchell]

I think something is up with the gaskets.I have a 2 year old set of stock ones that are already cracking.Sat on a shelf for many years?

Makes it leak while on the side stand.This has happened twice now with new ones.

Thats not good at all! I wonder if Yamaha is aware of this?
Anybody know if someone other than Yamaha makes new valve cover gaskets for the Max:ummm:

 

[hubeerjw]

Thats not good at all! I wonder if Yamaha is aware of this?
Anybody know if someone other than Yamaha makes new valve cover gaskets for the Max:ummm:

I'd almost bet anything they know about it. I'm sure they went to a different and cheaper manufacturer and got what they paid for. Yamaha is probably o.k. with this since they will just be making more money on parts. I really think large OEMs want to have a certain percentage of parts fail, as long as they will not stop people from continuing to purchase their products. That's my conspiracy theory anyway.

 

[82ndCowboy]

Yeah they are the stock gaskets. And it is leaking from the valve cover not the grommet.
Everyone has a look of disbelief when I mention about the leaking so soon. That's why I asked about a vent issue. Thought maybe there was a reason they are leaking after only 10000-15000 miles on them.
Thanks guy I'll still check the case vent. But I figure I'm going to have to tear it down and replace both.
I'm going to be very unhappy if I have to do this every 15000 miles or so due to cheap ass gaskets!
So if anyone here's of some better gaskets, let me know! I'm not planning on doing the gaskets for a couple of months at least.

 

[shawn kloker]

I used to use spray adhesive on the gasket to get it to stick to the valve cover.Last time I yamabonded it. It is impossible with out something to hold it up while setting the valve cover on.

 

[davidon]

Hate to add fuel to the fire but my gasket is also leaking. I'm going to retighten as per manual first and then try some gasket maker along with the valve gaskets..if this does'nt work I'll have to get new ones

 

[one2dmax]

Shit, maybe I need to start digging some of the older ones out of the trash can. I've seen them 15 years or older and still be fine. Same with windshield wipers. New crap doesn't last more then a season if that. Old ones on some of my classics could maybe still be originals - LOL.

Sean

 

[Mitchell]

Hate to add fuel to the fire but my gasket is also leaking. I'm going to retighten as per manual first and then try some gasket maker along with the valve gaskets..if this does'nt work I'll have to get new ones

What year is yours and how many miles does it have on it ?

 

[davidon]

I think they are the older ones..not sure if they are orig from 88 or if i replaced them once a while back. Is there a color diff btw old and new?