Rocker Cover Gaskets

zoom45 · 02-09-2012, 08:39 PM

Well my 1500 has the cam plug oil leak and I can't get it to stop (93,000). I did stop it for a while using the silicone but it's back. It was just the rear cylinder and now the front is also seeping. I'm going to Daytona Bike week March 9 so I figured I had better go ahead and fix it right. For those of you that have done this job, is the only gaskets needed the rocker cover gaskets or do I need to get new cam plugs too? I will also change the exhaust gaskets. Anything else needed? I would like to hear from a member with hands on experience that actually did the work themselves instead of someone that let the dealer do it for them.
I found this site that has free shipping:
http://www.riderschoiceracing.com/fi...ion_detail.asp
Thanks,
Zoom45

**ringadingh** · 02-09-2012, 08:50 PM

I havn't done the job myself but Id replace the rocker cover gasket, exhaust gaskets and the cam plugs. Part of the reason the cam plugs leak is because the rubber is old and brittle. Since you have to almost remove the motor, its best to do it right the first time.

zoom45 · 02-09-2012, 08:55 PM

Thanks Ring. Just didn't want to forget a part when I order.

**MAS Tequila** · 02-10-2012, 05:07 AM

On my 1500 and 1600 the cam plugs are hard plastic not rubber.

All I have ever done is clean them and use a good quality silicone around them when reassembling. I have never had one leak, and have never bought a new one.

MT

ndbigfish · 02-10-2012, 10:48 PM

When I fixed the rocker cover gaskets I replaced things like the radiator hoses, banjo fitting o-rings, intake o-rings, HLA filters and anything else I had exposed since the bike was over ten years old at the time and it was opened up. Things like the boot on the rectifer were cracked. I overhauled the slave cylinder on the clutch since it was opened up. I have used Riders Choice Racing several times and I've had quick shipments and no problems.

Youngwarrior · 08-04-2017, 06:07 AM

Just pulled my motor out completely to replace both gaskets. Is there anything else other than the gaskets themselves that i need to do job? ie. sealants or whatever. (kawmasukmi shop told me the gaskets is all, but also wasn't sure we were on the same page with MY meaning)
I haven't got cam plugs(?) and this is the second time I have pulled exhaust, I've never replaced or removed exhaust gaskets. I do intend to change all fluids, spark plugs etc.

ldhthept · 08-04-2017, 10:37 AM

Do you realize this thread is over 5 years old?

pjandbee · 08-05-2017, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Youngwarrior

Just pulled my motor out completely to replace both gaskets. Is there anything else other than the gaskets themselves that i need to do job? ie. sealants or whatever. (kawmasukmi shop told me the gaskets is all, but also wasn't sure we were on the same page with MY meaning)
I haven't got cam plugs(?) and this is the second time I have pulled exhaust, I've never replaced or removed exhaust gaskets. I do intend to change all fluids, spark plugs etc.

I'm thinking that I may have to keep a rag close to start rubbing on my beast more. Engine removable just doesn't sound like something that I want to do for a bit longer. I am at this time in the process of front work. Neck bearings, brakes, risers, faring elect. and shocks.

I've been slowly collecting the clutch parts and gaskets so I guess I'll look at getting valve cover gaskets. Order everything and call me Overstock.....

Hey, it is a five year old thread. Cool.

DragonLady58 · 08-05-2017, 05:23 PM

What you want to do is disconnect the engine from everything, just enough to move it outta the way some, so you can get to your top cover gaskets and those plugs.
Just disassemble, clean things good, just use a good silicone on those cam plugs, reassemble and put in....
Its not as hard as everyone makes it out to be....the engine is big and bulky, its kinda hard to balance.
You can use a supersmall floor jack, just make sure it doesn't fall on you.
I use a carpeted movers dolly, once I get it off my jack....
I drop the motor some, pulling it forward some to disengage the driveshaft, then down dome and to the right....about 2 ft., put the gaskets on, silicone plugs after a good cleaning, then back together.
After 2 times, you'll be a old pro at it....
About 6 hours....

Youngwarrior · 08-08-2017, 02:11 AM

I've seen silicone/plugs mentioned here a bit. Are they the round bits just under rocker cover? I was only going to do gaskets... I took motor right out as I don't have the time to do it in one hit, and I don't intend to rush. Lifted the heavy sucker off Jack and have sitting on chocks of wood. Got a full day tomorrow, but now wondering bout these plugs.

Youngwarrior · 08-08-2017, 02:14 AM

Yes, 5 year old.

DragonLady58 · 08-08-2017, 01:11 PM

What tha Fuck does it matter if this thread is 5 years old, as long as it helps a member get his bike fixed?????Look at some of Gadgets articles and we'd be in helluva mess without them....
If your outta town and they're leaking, just get some clear silicone, wash and clean plug, wipe a thin layer on the surface, should be a temp. fix till you get home.
Once home, do it correctly....

02-09-2012, 08:39 PM	#1
zoom45 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Terry, Mississippi Posts: 1,434	Rocker Cover Gaskets Well my 1500 has the cam plug oil leak and I can't get it to stop (93,000). I did stop it for a while using the silicone but it's back. It was just the rear cylinder and now the front is also seeping. I'm going to Daytona Bike week March 9 so I figured I had better go ahead and fix it right. For those of you that have done this job, is the only gaskets needed the rocker cover gaskets or do I need to get new cam plugs too? I will also change the exhaust gaskets. Anything else needed? I would like to hear from a member with hands on experience that actually did the work themselves instead of someone that let the dealer do it for them. I found this site that has free shipping: http://www.riderschoiceracing.com/fi...ion_detail.asp Thanks, Zoom45 __________________ Bobby Risher Terry, MS Kawanow member # 124 South Central Group 2000 Nomad 1500 (carbed) 128,000 miles Login or Register to Remove Ads
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02-09-2012, 08:50 PM	#2
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	I havn't done the job myself but Id replace the rocker cover gasket, exhaust gaskets and the cam plugs. Part of the reason the cam plugs leak is because the rubber is old and brittle. Since you have to almost remove the motor, its best to do it right the first time. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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02-09-2012, 08:55 PM	#3
zoom45 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Terry, Mississippi Posts: 1,434	Thanks Ring. Just didn't want to forget a part when I order. __________________ Bobby Risher Terry, MS Kawanow member # 124 South Central Group 2000 Nomad 1500 (carbed) 128,000 miles
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02-10-2012, 05:07 AM	#4
MAS Tequila Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Psychiatric Ward FL Posts: 3,429	On my 1500 and 1600 the cam plugs are hard plastic not rubber. All I have ever done is clean them and use a good quality silicone around them when reassembling. I have never had one leak, and have never bought a new one. MT __________________ MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936
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02-10-2012, 10:48 PM	#5
ndbigfish Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Braunfels, Texas Posts: 1,162	When I fixed the rocker cover gaskets I replaced things like the radiator hoses, banjo fitting o-rings, intake o-rings, HLA filters and anything else I had exposed since the bike was over ten years old at the time and it was opened up. Things like the boot on the rectifer were cracked. I overhauled the slave cylinder on the clutch since it was opened up. I have used Riders Choice Racing several times and I've had quick shipments and no problems. __________________ Brik VBA #1047 07 Electra Glide Ultra (43,300 & counting) 03 Nomad - 37,972 (traded 5/6/13) 99 Nomad - Only a memory since 4/27/13 Login or Register to Remove Ads Last edited by ndbigfish; 02-10-2012 at 10:51 PM.
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08-04-2017, 06:07 AM	#6
Youngwarrior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: St Arnaud, Victoria, Australia Posts: 80	Just pulled my motor out completely to replace both gaskets. Is there anything else other than the gaskets themselves that i need to do job? ie. sealants or whatever. (kawmasukmi shop told me the gaskets is all, but also wasn't sure we were on the same page with MY meaning) I haven't got cam plugs(?) and this is the second time I have pulled exhaust, I've never replaced or removed exhaust gaskets. I do intend to change all fluids, spark plugs etc.
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08-04-2017, 10:37 AM	#7
ldhthept Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Tallahassee FL Posts: 1,037	Do you realize this thread is over 5 years old?
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08-05-2017, 05:23 PM	#9
DragonLady58 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Somewhere South of Alaska.... Posts: 2,359	What you want to do is disconnect the engine from everything, just enough to move it outta the way some, so you can get to your top cover gaskets and those plugs. Just disassemble, clean things good, just use a good silicone on those cam plugs, reassemble and put in.... Its not as hard as everyone makes it out to be....the engine is big and bulky, its kinda hard to balance. You can use a supersmall floor jack, just make sure it doesn't fall on you. I use a carpeted movers dolly, once I get it off my jack.... I drop the motor some, pulling it forward some to disengage the driveshaft, then down dome and to the right....about 2 ft., put the gaskets on, silicone plugs after a good cleaning, then back together. After 2 times, you'll be a old pro at it.... About 6 hours.... __________________ --------------------- Don't start no schit, there won't be no schit.... My Sarcasm is directly proportional to the amount of Stupidity involved --------------------- VBA#03239 VROC#37400 VRA --------------------- 2014 Vaquero 2001 Nomad FI 2003 Street Glide (sold) 1500 Meanie, fresh rebuild (sold) 90s BUBF Bobber (sold) 2001 UltraCycle FatPounder (Sold) 1975 HD ElectraGlide (Sold) 1982 Kawasaki Z1 Chopper (Sold) Suck It Up & Ride! Last edited by DragonLady58; 08-05-2017 at 05:27 PM.
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08-08-2017, 02:11 AM	#10
Youngwarrior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: St Arnaud, Victoria, Australia Posts: 80	I've seen silicone/plugs mentioned here a bit. Are they the round bits just under rocker cover? I was only going to do gaskets... I took motor right out as I don't have the time to do it in one hit, and I don't intend to rush. Lifted the heavy sucker off Jack and have sitting on chocks of wood. Got a full day tomorrow, but now wondering bout these plugs.
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08-08-2017, 02:14 AM	#11
Youngwarrior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: St Arnaud, Victoria, Australia Posts: 80	Yes, 5 year old.
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08-08-2017, 01:11 PM	#12
DragonLady58 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Somewhere South of Alaska.... Posts: 2,359	What tha Fuck does it matter if this thread is 5 years old, as long as it helps a member get his bike fixed?????Look at some of Gadgets articles and we'd be in helluva mess without them.... If your outta town and they're leaking, just get some clear silicone, wash and clean plug, wipe a thin layer on the surface, should be a temp. fix till you get home. Once home, do it correctly.... __________________ --------------------- Don't start no schit, there won't be no schit.... My Sarcasm is directly proportional to the amount of Stupidity involved --------------------- VBA#03239 VROC#37400 VRA --------------------- 2014 Vaquero 2001 Nomad FI 2003 Street Glide (sold) 1500 Meanie, fresh rebuild (sold) 90s BUBF Bobber (sold) 2001 UltraCycle FatPounder (Sold) 1975 HD ElectraGlide (Sold) 1982 Kawasaki Z1 Chopper (Sold) Suck It Up & Ride! Last edited by DragonLady58; 08-08-2017 at 01:17 PM.
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