valve cover gasket leaking oil on back left side

[maddog2498]

Can I tighten the valve cover to stop the leak???? Thank you.

[vzuden]

Sure, but don’t overdo it

[Marcarl]

22 hours ago, maddog2498 said:

Can I tighten the valve cover to stop the leak???? Thank you.

Not likely to work. The bolts have shoulders on them that only allow the bolts to be threaded in sooo far. Pull one out to see it. 

[luvmy40]

Most likely it's time for new gaskets. Stay away from the chicom gaskets. They will not seal.

[InfinitySurf]

I replaced mine last winter for the same reason & tightening didn't do anything on mine. I added some RTV at the half circles when I replaced them and its been perfect since. Replacing the gaskets is fairly easy, its just tight working in that area. What got me was figuring since I was doing that, I might as well check the valve adjustments, then I was like what the hell, might as well replace the twinkie gaskets & rebuild the carbs... which let to Ivan's jet kit & figuring out how to re-set my float heights. Then while waiting for some parts I tore off the swingarm to re-pack the all the bearings which lead to re-packing the wheel bearings too, lol. Ended up having it stripped down & tinkering with it for over a month. I enjoy wrenching tho so I was looking for excuses to be in the garage. Upside is the bike has never run better and its nice not to have oil dripping down the back of the engine!

[cimmer]

Replacing the gaskets is a good time to check the clearances on the valves also. 

Rick F.

[maddog2498]

I have talked to Mr. T. He had 325k on his RSV last time I talked to him. He told me several times, adjust the valves around 40k and never worry with them again. I had mine adjusted at 70 and new gaskets, carb boots. I now have 137k and have another oil leak. I seems to be on the back covers. I have not tried, because, not sure how much is involved changing gaskets.  

[Freebird]

Not that hard.  It’s easier if you remove the air box but they can be wiggled out.  

[maddog2498]

Thank you. Do I have to remove the air box to just change the rear gasket. 

[Freebird]

I think I did it without removing them but it was a long time ago so could be wrong.