My local Husky dealer tells me the valve cover gaskets and copper washers are on back order for my 09 TE610 There's got to be some somewhere? Right? Help I need to put this thing back together before I forget how.
Auto parts stores have Gasket paper that should work. And some will have assorted copper crush washers, maybe they will even have the right size.
Try other dealer like Tasky's Metric Cycle in Everett, Wa, Halls, Motoxotica, Uptite, Bills in Salem OR, ... I know Tasky's keeps local stock on the gaskets, I have some of them. :-)
Yeah, I know how to cut out gaskets and find copper washers, but I guess I figured that excersize was for us vintage bikers with GoldStars and Commandos. Don't modern bikes actually have parts available that one can purchase over the counter? Who owns Husky, Anyway? Sorry....
I'm about to check the valves on my '09. Called Hall's to order gaskets and washers, and they told me I don't need any copper washers. Is that true?
I was at Taskys last week, he had the valve cover gaskets and waterpump gasket in stock, he usually has what i want without ever having to order it. Just replaced my weeping head cover, used yama-bond, stuff works great. There are no copper washers on the valve covers.
The bolt holes are drilled all the way through... even if you get the gaskets to seal (long story) the oil can still push up through the threads. I put high temp, high heat, high priced automotive grade thread sealant on the bolts, then added the copper washers (hardware store), and now no leakage at all. If you get the "Husky" washers, they're the same size as on the water jacket drain plug (6mm.) Got those from George, along with HIS gaskets that he has made,and are a little thicker and higher quality than stock, and WAY better than the $2.00 paper from Pep Boys... My top end stays bone dry now after 3000mi. Have fun.... Oh yeah, after I sanded the covers flat, I use no sealant on the gaskets
Now I know that the copper washers are under the bolts that hold the valve covers on. The parts guy at Hall's told me that there were no washers on the bolts They appeared to be in great shape so I reused them. Now that the valve adjustment is done, the engine is MUCH quieter. All four valve clearances were between 0.005" and 0.007". Spec is 0.002". I suspect that they were like this when I received the bike because I was shocked at how noisy the bike was when I first started it.
I found mine the same, and results exactly like you. It runs smoother too. The first vehicle I owned that required frequent Valve adjustments was a 1972 Audi 100ls. The valve lash was secured by nylock nuts, there was no locking nut. I ended up adjusting those valves at every oil change, and certainly made a noticable difference in the performance of that engine, not to mention the noise. Seems the Husky does not usually need such frequent adjustments, but I'll certainly check them often until I get more familiar with the bike.
I think the followers/bushings and valves/seats all wear a little, balancing the wear and keeping the lash fairlty constant.
