[tjfischer]

Yesterday, on the way to Bert’s Canyon Cruise, I noticed I had an Oil leak. When I got to Bert’s, I checked out my Spyder. It looked like the Oil leak was coming mainly from my rear Valve cover. While I was there, I purchased a set of valve cover gaskets. I was thinking I would spend today fixing the leak or leaks.

This morning I got up took all the plastics off, then drove up to the local car wash to degrease the bike. There was oil over everything, and I really hate to work on a dirty engine. I degreased the engine and rode my Spyder home. Sure enough, I was able to tell I had an oil leak at the back of the rear valve cover. As I started taking the valve covers off, I was able to determine why I have a leak. The rear “distance Screw” (valve cover screw/bolt) was just slightly tighter than finger tight. The front screw snapped, as soon as I went started removing it. Its obvious the last time I had a 12,000 miles service the tech did not pay attention to the amount of torque he was putting one these.

Now here I am, with a Spyder I can’t put back together because of a busted screw. I’m very aggravated because I have to get a new distance screw. Instead of just buying one, I need to buy 10. Ten is a full set for both the front and rear valve covers. If you have one bad part, you might as well replace all of them. That’s my just incase scenario. Since I am aggravated, I put my tools away, and walked away from the project for today. This will give me time to calm down, and figure out how I will get the busted screw out. With a minimal amount of clearance, this will be a difficult task. It is best not to try when you are aggravated. Especially since it will be 2 – 3 days before I get the replacement screws. I might as well do a 12,000 mile service, since I got the bike all tore apart, and save myself $800.00

If anyone needs to order these, here is the information

Part Number: 420241625
Description: Distance Screw
Quantity: 10

Part Number: 420650345
Description: Valve Cover Gasket
Quantity: 2

[antkryder]

Oh Boy! I sorry to hear of your troubles! But your truck will be happy to spend time with you! I understand your theory of 'if one is broke, buy all the replacements' . My oil change before last, I didn't like the way the head of the drain bolt felt - like the hex head was too loose...so I got a replacement drain plug for the next oil change. Good thing, because the next change, just before our 4.5 day 3066 mile Canada blast, I twisted the head off of the drain bolt...leaving the threads in the crankcase. Thankfully, the remains unscrewed easily as there was just enough to get a grip on. So now I have an extra drain plug for the crankcase and for the reservoir!

I hope the rest of you service goes very smoothly!!

[Marc]

That's a bummer Tony. I get very frustrated when I find that I paid for service and the tech didn't do basic things that should be givens...like torquing bolts. I recently had a car "dealer" put rotors and pads on our car...big money at the dealership, but I didn't have time to do myself. Discovered after the fact that one of my calipers was ceased...why would a tech put on a new rotor and pads with a caliper that wasn't functioning

In any event, glad you walked away. I've caused more work for myself when I work on something in a cranky mood. Hopefully you can extract the screw when you get back at without a lot of hassle.

[tjfischer]

Well, today I finally had the time to work on my Spyder. I got the busted bolt out. It took some time and a lot of patience. Due to the tight quarters, I took my time and was very careful. It paid off, I got the bolt out without damaging any thing else.

After getting the valve cover back on. I went ahead a did an oil change. When I finally started the bike up. Guess what? I had another oil leak. This one was coming from the back side of a bolt that holds the clutch cover on. This was an easy fix. I removed the bolt, Put some gasket seal on it, and re-installed it. Leak all gone.

I de-greased the engine one more time, and went for a little 25 mile ride, without any of the plastics. I wanted to make sure there wern't any leaks.

No more leaks, Spyder is running great, Valves are within specs, Oil strainer was not to bad, considering that my shop has never cleaned or replaced it. There were not any metal shavings in the Oil when I did the change. K&N air filter is in good shape. Throttle cables are lubed. Spark plugs have been replaced.

Life is good today....

Tomorrow, I go for a ride.

[Marc]

Tony, we call could learn from you regarding how you handle life's challenges.

Enjoy your ride tomorrow

[danalize]

my 2009 spyder se5 also has an oil leak. there is oil all around the air box. the air filter does not have any oil yet. i want to fix this problem. any input from you guys would be greatly appreciated.