91 xj600 rocker cover gasket leak

Hi All,

I thought I'd shoot a message in here before I accidentally destroy my bike through inexperience.

Today I was stuck in heavy traffic and the bike overheated, I have blown my rocker gasket for certain, it is smoking hot and there is burnt oil around the area.

I do not believe replacing the gasket should be too difficult for me, but I wanted to check with you guys before I approach this because I have not yet taken the rocker cover off and I thought it would be worthwhile to know if there was any mechanical monsters and also because the engine began to rattle when this started.

When I was in traffic, the bike began to stall very easily, I had to let out the clutch out very slowly and on top of this, there was a significant rattle when I was accelerating. The bike still starts etc.. so I suspect no issue with the valves, however the rattle was quite significant and concerned me a lot. As I was in heavy traffic it was difficult to hear the noise properly, it could even have been hot oil spitting out of the gasket for all I know...

I am concerned that if the cylinder was running lean and overheated to the point where the valve has become burnt, could this be the responsible culprit for this noise? If I need a valve replacement are the parts readily available?

Would appreciate any advice on this.

Many Thanks,

Jake.