Head cover issue

So I got my new tires put on today and took her out for a test ride. Drove about 3 miles or so and when I pulled it back in the garage I noticed a disturbing thing. On the side of the head covers there are plastic plugs. Two per side of the engine for a total of four. In the pics (only the right side but the left is the same condition) you can clearly see that there both cracked and if i lightly touch them oil seeps out. My question is what in the blue heck are these and how do i replace them. Please dont tell me its an engine tear down. Also never noticed this before at all.

 

Here it is

 

Ummm...

Exactly what bike are you talking about? That might help immensely, since it's not in your signature.

Generally speaking, a valve cover leak would require replacement of the gasket, and depending on the bike, replacement of the metal/rubber "donuts" on the bolts. Not an engine teardown, just a cover removal.

 

Third time

 

Its an 85 XJ 700 Maxim X

 

You cracked your head?
I'd clean it off with some degreaser and seal it with automotive GOOP! Problem solved.

 

I dont think I cracked the head. The things that are cracked are plastic and I'm pretty sure heads arent made from plastic. Also they appear to be plugs of some sort and there are two on each side.

 

Nothings cracked.

Those "plugs" are molded as part of the valve cover gasket, just like on the air-cooled bikes. They're PART OF the gasket; you need to replace the gasket and the (8) rubber "mounts" (under the washers on the bolts) and it will be fine. They were "rubber" by the way, they cracked because they've dried out.

Parts fiche: http://www.yamahapartshouse.net/pages/p ... amaha.aspx Look under "CYLINDER HEAD." I'm sure chacal will have your stuff for cheaper.

You do realize that at some point you're going to need to at least check your valve clearances, right? And probably adjust them?

Do it when you change the gasket. Check them, anyway. How many miles on it?

 

Thanks for the information. I have roughly 20 K on the bike right now. I will check my valve clearance but why do I need to do that. Sorry but I'm a mechanical moron but wanna learn everything I can.

 

The valve needs to close tight against the head to seal the combustion chamber and to transfer heat to the head (that's how the valve is cooled).

There is some clearance between the valve and the camshaft to make sure it sits tight against the head. As the valve wears into the head the clearance goes away. If there is no clearance the valve doesn't close tight, robbing you of power and ruining the valve and/or head in short order.

It's a routine maintenance item that is often neglected. The valves wear into the head faster when new until all the surfaces fit each other well. So, having low mileage is not a reason to skip over it. There is a very good chance the first check/adjustment was overlooked.

 

And I was just gonna say "because if you neglect them you could damage the motor."

Carl's absolutely right of course.