Exhaust leak out Valve cover

[jg928s4]

I see exhaust leaking out the top of my valve cover gasket.  Do I have valve problems I need to investigate, or is it good enough just to seal up the gasket?  Will dig into it tomorrow after work.  Otherwise been running great.  JG

[donbmw]

Are you sure it is a exhuast leak and not the area water gets in and boils.

[nhmaf]

+1 - if it really is an exhaust leak out of there, things are truly wacky - but-it is not uncommon for some water to get trapped in there and boil out as the engine heats up if you have a gap in the gasket there and the bike gets soaked from rain, washing, etc.

Does it stop after a while?

[jg928s4]

not water, I know what that looks like, wondering if I have an exhaust valve that is not completely closing?  It is more apparent near end of the ride.

[nhmaf]

I think that, at minimum, we'll need to see a pic of the head with the valve cover on and with it off.  
exhaust gases are pretty hot and if they are getting into there, I'd expect to see some visible evidence.

Are you getting any oil drips/leaks from the valve cover gasket?     When was the last time the valve lash/clearances were checked?

[jg928s4]

resealed the valve cover, no smoke, maybe it was just heated oil venting up out a leaky gasket, no oil drips before isuue.   will see if remedied in the next few weeks of rides.

[tvrla]

Sounds like the 'boiling water' syndrome.

Of course you won't see it since it's down in a well hidden from view. Took me a while to figure out and find my first time.

[JPSpen]

If it's an exhaust leak, Pull the valve cover.. It should be pretty apparent..

A burned valve or toasted valve guide and seal will let some exhaust get by... I don't think it's something you'd want to go very far without fixing..

Good Luck

John

[nhmaf]

+1 if this really is an exhaust leak under the valve cover - you don't want to simply try to "cover it up" and think that is the end of it - a much worse thing will be happening in the near future if so.   The original description did sound like the usual boiling water syndrome.

[montmil]

Off topic, but congrats to Mike for accepting, along with Bob Roller, the high paying jobs as "Global Moderator" for our R65 forum.

You guys rock.

[nhmaf]

It pays twice as much!

Thanks, Monte!