HarleyTechTalk

Technical Forums => Twin Cam => Topic started by: chas on June 26, 2022, 05:40:33 AM

Title: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: chas on June 26, 2022, 05:40:33 AM
I upgraded to the s&s cam plate, oil pump, lifter performance package on my 03 ultra. Im noticing an oil leak coming from the top left corner of the cam chest cover! Do you think its the cam chest cover or the cam plate itself that is leaking? It leaks the most upon acceleration. What are your thoughts?
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: Hossamania on June 26, 2022, 08:15:38 AM
Isn't the cam plate enclosed completely inside the cam cover? Not sure how the cam plate could cause an external leak.
Are you sure it is not a drip coming off of the air cleaner?
A picture might help.
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: Armin on June 26, 2022, 09:09:13 AM
I concur with Hoss, the cam support plate cannot leak and if the cam cover leaks it could be a gasket leak.
Inspect your air cleaner first.

Armin.

 
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: ziggy24 on June 28, 2022, 09:36:57 AM
Maybe a pushrod tube that goes into the rocker box dripping down? Done that a couple of times... :scratch:
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: billbuilds on June 30, 2022, 04:23:43 AM
    Did you torque the cam cover bolts in the proper sequence to the proper torque?
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: 60Gunner on June 30, 2022, 01:23:55 PM
You're not still running the crankcase breathers into the intake are you? Possibly dripping off the air filter/cleaner? Cam cover leaks are rare but...
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: Hossamania on June 30, 2022, 01:33:51 PM
My brother's 20 year old Evo blew out a cam cover gasket on a ride, a major leak, first and only time I've ever seen it. We literally duct taped it and went straight to the dealer for repair. Tape held well enough to go 10-15 miles.
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: 60Gunner on June 30, 2022, 01:55:33 PM
Quote from: Hossamania on June 30, 2022, 01:33:51 PMMy brother's 20 year old Evo blew out a cam cover gasket on a ride, a major leak, first and only time I've ever seen it. We literally duct taped it and went straight to the dealer for repair. Tape held well enough to go 10-15 miles.

Possibly damaged? I've used the same gasket repeatedly and never the slightest drip providing it wasn't damaged removing the cover.
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: Hossamania on June 30, 2022, 02:14:40 PM
The cover had never been removed. It just blew a chunk out. I'd not seen it before or since.
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: 60Gunner on June 30, 2022, 02:51:28 PM
Wow. That IS odd. Goes to show anything is possible.
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: chas on July 04, 2022, 04:22:05 AM
I took off the cam cover and found the gasket had turned in and broke from a bolt mis alignment! Problem solved! When I saw the oil pouring down the side of the cover it was confusing and made me think the lifters could have been a possibility. Thanks for all your thoughts.
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: jsachs1 on July 04, 2022, 12:40:12 PM
What I made and use frequently, to prevent gasket alignment problems is: 3 or 4, 3" lengths of 1/4" 20 all thread rod. Screw them into a few of the areas. Slide the gasket on, and then the cover in question. Works great on cam covers, primary covers, etc. wherever there are odd shape gaskets, or a distance between bolt holes. :wink:
John
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: 60Gunner on July 06, 2022, 06:45:55 AM
Quote from: jsachs1 on July 04, 2022, 12:40:12 PMWhat I made and use frequently, to prevent gasket alignment problems is: 3 or 4, 3" lengths of 1/4" 20 all thread rod. Screw them into a few of the areas. Slide the gasket on, and then the cover in question. Works great on cam covers, primary covers, etc. wherever there are odd shape gaskets, or a distance between bolt holes. :wink:
John

Same here but I just cut the heads off some longer bolts. Part of my tools now.
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: chas on October 04, 2022, 05:04:28 PM
good ideas! Will remember that the next time I go in.
Title: Re: leak coming from cam cover
Post by: chaos901 on October 06, 2022, 01:11:08 PM
QuoteWhat I made and use frequently, to prevent gasket alignment problems is: 3 or 4, 3" lengths of 1/4" 20 all thread rod. Screw them into a few of the areas. Slide the gasket on, and then the cover in question. Works great on cam covers, primary covers, etc. wherever there are odd shape gaskets, or a distance between bolt holes. :wink:
John

I read this here years ago too and made some, works great keeping the gasket lined up.