Help with an oil leak!

[marcorod]

Guys -

 

First, let me clarify I am NOT a wrench. My 2002 V11 was leaking oil from the left side head. I believed that it was coming from a leaky gasket so I removed the cover and found the gasket to be damaged. I ordered two gaskets from MPH Cycles and replaced the gasket. After closer inspection there also appears to be oil pooling in the round recess below the spark plug which has a nut.

 

Two questions:

 

What is the recommended torque for head cover screws?

 

What is that screw below the spark plug?

 

Thank in advance for your feedback!

 

Marco

[jrt]

You're talking about valve covers? They should be about 7 ft/lbs if I recall (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Anyhow- none too tight. Put a bit of old oil on both sides of the new gaskets, and bring the bolts down to touching, then just a smidge tighter and even all around. That should seal it up.

The nut under the spark plug is most likely a head nut. I don't have my bike here in front of me. They do occasionally leak from the heads, and that's usually caused by loose oil lines or a busted o-ring under one of the head nuts.

[callison]

You're talking about valve covers? They should be about 7 ft/lbs if I recall (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Anyhow- none too tight. Put a bit of old oil on both sides of the new gaskets, and bring the bolts down to touching, then just a smidge tighter and even all around. That should seal it up.

The nut under the spark plug is most likely a head nut. I don't have my bike here in front of me. They do occasionally leak from the heads, and that's usually caused by loose oil lines or a busted o-ring under one of the head nuts.

 

I'll go with the loose oil line. It's happened to me with the same symptoms you describe.