Is this as bad as i think it is? (Valve)

[adictiverx]

So here is my first tech post.
After my first ride i noticed while idling that the right side valve cover was leaking, causing small amounts of oil to pool under the spark plug lead and burn (causing smoke)... Okay, no biggie, just needs a new gasket right?
Upon closer inspection, while idling, the valve cover gasket was physically "flapping" where the oil was leaking and that there were puffs of air coming out in sync with that cylinders combustion.
After confirming that the valve cover bolts were snug, I went ahead with replacing the gasket.
When I removed the valve cover I noticed major discoloration as compared to the intake valve side and a significant amount of "gunk" built up around the valve stem.
Warped valve cover aside, is this as bad as i think it is? If so, how bad is bad? Is it normal considering the estimated 60K miles on the clock?

See pics below, and let me know if you need more (close-ups etc)

fingers crossed here guys...

[Bob_Roller]

What year bike do you have ?

I would perform a compression test and see what you find on that cylinder .

Not too uncommon to have the valve cover and the head slightly warp, causing a leakage problem at the valve cover gasket .

[nhmaf]

It is not uncommon for the front, exhaust side of the head to be a more bronze color from heating more than the intake side, but if you are getting excessive blowback through the valve /seat, there might be something going on.

Oil drips from warped valve covers are more common on the R65 I think - the R100 bikes usually are the more likely to warp the head from differential heating - but either is possible.

I would also recommend a compression check first - do it properly with the carb off for best results.

[tvrla]

If the valve cover is warped, remove the two studs and sand it flat. Use a piece of plate glass with a sheet 240 wet/dry paper laid out on it, and work the surface in figure eights, one direction, then the other.

[Teo]

You are most likely going to find that the valve cover is flat and the surface on the head is warped.  My 1982 R65LS was doing the same thing with the gasket actually warping (shrinking) into the interior of the valve cover.  I verified the flatness of the cover and found it just about perfect. From what reading and questioning I have done it appears the early '80's heads tended to warp slightly on the outer surface while remaining tight and flat on the head gasket area.
I solved the problem with some silicon gasket sealer on the gasket.  I am contemplating the reusable silicon gasket that Real Gasket advertises.

Teo

[nhmaf]

My R100/7 had a leak on one valve cover that a new gasket would not fix, but I bought a pair of the RealGasket gaskets (big squishy silicone) and they worked quite well.   Just be aware that they are thicker and squishier when you are installing and putting the covers back on - do not overtorque the  cover nuts.

[adictiverx]

Thanks all for the responses...
First, its a 1983 model (first sold in 1985)

I have not checked the flatness of the valve cover yet, although from your replies + reading and research i wouldnt be surprised if its slightly warped.

I had already ordered a set of new standard gaskets, and since the left side is not leaking, i stacked both new ones on the right. I know its a crude fix, but i think it should work out ok. No way to tell until i put the tank back on and go for a ride (hopefully today).

I have access to CNC Milling machines and was wondering if it would be possible to machine the valve cover flat?
Has anyone done this or have suggestions as to how i might mount the valve cover in the machine?

[adictiverx]

I was planning to take it in to a mechanic for valve adjustment, but it seems fairly easy to do. Any specialty tools i might need?

Thanks again eveyone

[Ed Miller]

I have access to CNC Milling machines and was wondering if it would be possible to machine the valve cover flat?
Has anyone done this or have suggestions as to how i might mount the valve cover in the machine?

That seems like overkill, but then again, if I had a milling machine I would probably use it to brush my teeth.  Just do the plate glass/sandpaper method.  That's both diagnostic and a fix if needed.

To adjust the valves the only special tool is a pair of feeler gauges.