Removing valve cover procedure

[noratx]

Hey!

Have tried consulting the workshop manual but didn't find anything specific.
When I renovated my kawasaki Z500, I was adviced to remove the cam chain tensioner before removing and reassembling the valve cover so as not to damage the spring.

Just want to check before I will remove the valve cover tomorrow, if there is any specific procedure I should take note of that is or isn't in the workshop manual.

Yesterday the valve cover gasket started leaking oil.. quite a lot unfortunately, so a new gasket is indeed required.
Guess I jinxed myself though.. ordered a full gasket set 2 weeks ago on fleabay. Got it 4 days ago.. maybe the gasket would have made it through the season if only I had been waiting with purchasing the gasket set

[Steve]

Remove seat.
Remove tank.
Remove horns (if they are in the way)
Remove breather cover ("T"-shaped cover on top of valve cover)
Remove valve cover.

While you have it off, be sure to check your valve clearances and change the half-moons at the ends of the cams.

.

[TxGSrider]

You might want to change those O-rings on the center bolts too... It can save you taking it off again later to replace them. Don't ask how I know... :-(

[noratx]

Thanks Steve!

Exactly what I am planning to do!
New half-moons ordered anyway and will be swapped during winter renovation.
I expect that PO's havn't done any proper maintenance for a VERY long time!

I am amazed that the valve cover gasket didn't start leaking much earlier.
When I went to see if I couldn't just give the cover bolts a bit more tension to see if that could stop the leak, it felt as if the outer bolts were torqued by hand without any tool at all.
However, some extra torque didn't help, the gasket has hardened over the years unfortunately, so was down to either buy some silicone and put a temporary plug where its leaking oil, or swap the gasket. Better do a proper job directly, doesn't take much time.

Thank you anyway Steve!

[Steve]

You might want to change those O-rings on the center bolts too... It can save you taking it off again later to replace them. Don't ask how I know... :-(

What "o-rings on the center bolts"?

If you are thinking about the ones on your 1100E, they don't apply to an 850.

If there is something that I have been missing all these years, please let me know what it is.

.

[TxGSrider]

What "o-rings on the center bolts"?

If you are thinking about the ones on your 1100E, they don't apply to an 850.

If there is something that I have been missing all these years, please let me know what it is.

.

Yes, those are the ones. lol!

[noratx]

I will actually change all top end gaskets and o-rings, from the cylinder base and up, during the winter renovation.
However, tomorrow, will be only bare minimum needed, as I have planned to go for a long trip on sunday.

I have a long list of things I will fix and replace during the winter.. including some paint job

[Motojoe2492]

Sounds like your plans are similar to mine this winter! My project history has me worried about how far I will get, unfortunately. I feel like this might be my easiest planned so far. Here can I see pictures of yours?