I have an '08 TE610 I bought gently used. It has had a slight oil leak and I just can't seem to nail it down. The leak is coming from the top portion of the head somewhere. The leak is very slight with an oil film slowly spreading down from the top more on the right side than the left. I recently rode a week in Colorado and had to add no oil, so it is pretty slight. When I adjusted the valves I checked the valve covers to ensure they weren't warped and installed new gaskets. I check the breather hoses and they appear fine. My main problem is it's up under the tank and to see it I have to remove the tank which negates running the bike. Any ideas? Anyone else experience this issue? Thanks
Probably the valve cover gasket, you may try snugging the bolts down to spec or replace the gaskets. Tpical issue, once fixed no more problems. G/L
Hey F_G, I'm curious to know whether you managed to stop the oil leak...? I'm considering buying a 610 that apparently has a minor oil leak from the 'rocker cover', which sounds like what you have. Are the covers easy to get off? Is this a leak from the bolts securing the cover or from the cover's edge?
To get to the rocker cover you will remove the tank, and perhaps the radiators. My new 2008 610SM went back to the dealer several times to get that oil leak fixed. It uses a sealant, not a gasket. I used Permatex Right Stuff when I had to replace my cam chain, and NO leaks from the rocker cover. http://www.permatex.com/brand_right_stuff.htm
Sounds like quite a bit of work. The guy selling the bike mentioned a sealant (as opposed to a gasket), so this sounds like the same problem. Do you reckon this is a fix a relative newby (to mechanics) could undertake, or is it best left to someone with experience?
Could be the rocker box but they have sealant from the factory. Most likely the valve cover gaskets (welcome to the club). Even new gaskets may not fix it, the bolt holes go all the way through, so oil pushes up through the bolts. If you change the gaskets, put some automotive thread sealant on the threads and that will help as much or more than anything. Orrrr you could do what I do, but that takes a while. I always also put copper washers on the bolts (6mm), like the washer that is on the water jacket drain, (same size), get them from Husky, or get 6mm copper washers from the hardware store and that will help too. Have fun....... You'll love that bike....
