Oil Leak and Bolts Tightened... Normal?

[Draeger]

Hey Everyone,

Yesterday after a short ride I noticed oil seeping out from underneath this carb intake thingy. I wiped it off and got my 8mm wrench and *gently* tightened these bolts. They did tighten up a bit, and when I rode home the leak had stopped.

A couple of questions...

1) Is this normal? Where would that oil be coming from? Doesn't that intake lead into the top of the pistons, and provide the fuel/air? There shouldn't be oil around that seal, or am I missing something?

2) I know that I should be using a torque wrench to tighten those bolts. Will be getting one shortly. Hard to find an inexpensive one that goes down to 9NM (and smaller)

3) Do I have to get this looked at and the gasket replaced or something?

4) Are those nuts, or bolts? Is there a threaded stud that sticks up there to screw nuts on, or am I tightening bolts?

A picture to clarify... And thanks for anyone with any info.

[Chrisj CMA]

As long as you didnt really crank on it it shouldn't hurt anything.  What you are on the verge of needing is a sit of O rings to go under those intakes.  That's just fuel and some crank case vent gunk that's leaking and yes all Valkyries will do this eventually

[The emperor has no clothes]

I agree with what Chrisj CMA said and would add you should order the 6 o-rings now. It's a very easy job.
http://redeye.ecrater.com/p/2064055/intake-o-ring-kit-viton-gf
This is a good source for them. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Also I should add that your intake hose clamps probably need tightening also. Seems to be common to all of us.

[Lyle Laun]

You can also use generic viton dash123 O Rings available at most Napas or similar. Just puull one out and take down to the store with you.

Lyle

[salty1]

At the time you change out the intake O-rings desmog the bike and prevent some other future problems with vacuum leaks. I'm assuming your bike is stock. 

http://redeye.ecrater.com/p/8464393/shiny-desmog-kit-ver-2-honda

[Draeger]

Thanks all! So if I remove the two bolts on bottom of each intake will they lift up to access the washers? Or would I also have to remove the clamps on top of each one as well?

[Chrisj CMA]

Thanks all! So if I remove the two bolts on bottom of each intake will they lift up to access the washers? Or would I also have to remove the clamps on top of each one as well?

Just loosen the upper clamps so you can lift the intake as you rotate it out

[Chrisj CMA]

Thanks all! So if I remove the two bolts on bottom of each intake will they lift up to access the washers? Or would I also have to remove the clamps on top of each one as well?

Just loosen the upper clamps so you can lift the intake as you rotate it out

[Draeger]

Thanks all! So if I remove the two bolts on bottom of each intake will they lift up to access the washers? Or would I also have to remove the clamps on top of each one as well?

Just loosen the upper clamps so you can lift the intake as you rotate it out

Sweet Chris! Thank you! I will get a torque wrench and order some seals.

[Draeger]

I agree with what Chrisj CMA said and would add you should order the 6 o-rings now. It's a very easy job.
http://redeye.ecrater.com/p/2064055/intake-o-ring-kit-viton-gf
This is a good source for them. 

Looks awesome - much better material than the stock ones. Ordered some rear drive seals too... but then got a 'don't sell to Canada' message. I've dropped them an email to see if we can work something out. Looks like a good company. Thanks for the info!

[gordonv]

Are you coming to Valhalla? Staying at one of the hotels there? Call them up and ask if you get a small package sent there in your name.

When I bought my IS and had the dealer hold onto it for 6 months till spring time, I had a few parcels of parts sent to them to hold for me for my new bike.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I agree with what Chrisj CMA said and would add you should order the 6 o-rings now. It's a very easy job.
http://redeye.ecrater.com/p/2064055/intake-o-ring-kit-viton-gf
This is a good source for them. 

Looks awesome - much better material than the stock ones. Ordered some rear drive seals too... but then got a 'don't sell to Canada' message. I've dropped them an email to see if we can work something out. Looks like a good company. Thanks for the info!

Huh...I didn't know that. If it doesn't work out I'd have no problem ordering some and sending them to you. It's not a customs thing is it ? I'd be pissed if I got blacklisted out of Canada for some O-rings. 

[Draeger]

I agree with what Chrisj CMA said and would add you should order the 6 o-rings now. It's a very easy job.
http://redeye.ecrater.com/p/2064055/intake-o-ring-kit-viton-gf
This is a good source for them. 

Looks awesome - much better material than the stock ones. Ordered some rear drive seals too... but then got a 'don't sell to Canada' message. I've dropped them an email to see if we can work something out. Looks like a good company. Thanks for the info!

Huh...I didn't know that. If it doesn't work out I'd have no problem ordering some and sending them to you. It's not a customs thing is it ? I'd be pissed if I got blacklisted out of Canada for some O-rings. 

Thanks for the offers guys. Just got an email and PayPal invoice from Rich, a guy at RedEye and he's happy to ship the parts. Wahoo!

[Patrick]

Thanks all! So if I remove the two bolts on bottom of each intake will they lift up to access the washers? Or would I also have to remove the clamps on top of each one as well?

Just loosen the upper clamps so you can lift the intake as you rotate it out

Sweet Chris! Thank you! I will get a torque wrench and order some seals.

There is no need for a torque wrench just for those fasteners, probably couldn't get it in the back side anyway. Just snug them with your trusty little wrench.

[John Schmidt]

FWIW, I've never used a torque wrench on those and most other bolts on the Valk. Like the exhaust studs, you don't really want to snap one of those bolts off. Being exact simply isn't necessary, just install those new o-rings and snug the bolts down, check a few weeks later.

As for removing/installing the new o-rings, loosen the six bolts on the side opposite the one you're working on. That lets you lift the entire side easier, I don't pull those intakes when I do it that way. Just remove all the bolts on one side, the one you're working on, loosen the other side. When done with the first side, leave them a little loose and do the same on the second set. Use a little goober grease or duck butter to hold the rings in place. 

[Draeger]

Just wanted to say thank you guys for all the help. I got new rings delivered and did what you all said... loosened all the bolts, loosened the clamp screws, popped the plug ccables and went to work. An hour later all the o-rings were replaced. A good day. Thanks again... this is a great forum!!

[John Schmidt]

Got a problem, just ask us here. If we can't fix it for you, we'll fix it so nobody else can either.    Most of us use the old military approach when working on these bikes. Basically, if you want to find the easiest way to do something, just give the job to the laziest guy in the outfit. Works every time. 

Glad you're back on the road. 

[Firefighter]

I try and use a torque wrench when I can as a little tight is never enough for me, and when you get into exhaust nuts 7lbs. well it's best for me.

Should be no leaks on a Valkyrie! Maybe a drop from the shifter seal but thats all!