Oil Leak

[Pete D]

Chaps

Sorry to appear so needy....asking for assistance on a weekly basis so far....I'll try to do so less often in future....

I appear to have a slight oil weep from one of the the camshaft covers on the front pot on the nearside of the bike (the rear/inlet one).  Is there a rubber o-ring behind the cover, or is instant gasket the answer?

By the look of things, that cap carries the roller bearing for the camshaft, so I presume I can only pull it off halfway to add the sealant.....

Cheers

Pete

[Miti]

Providing you pre-position the engine rotation such that the front cylinder is at TDC on the firing stroke (and assuming that there is proper clearance between the cam-followers and the cams) you should be able to undo the bolts and pull the bearing carrier/cam cap out.

Most folk will advise that you use RTV silicone sealant to affect the necessary seal here (there is no gasket or o-ring on this part).  I would advise that you meticulously clean any old sealant from both faces and apply a bead of Loctite 518 Flange Sealant.

Yes, it's more expensive than the RTV, but it's a doddle to apply and cleans off with a paper towel with ordinary thinners on it.  The RTV requires a full-blow tactical assault to get the damn stuff off of everything, and glues the casings on so firmly that I've been seriously concerned about breakages when attempting to remove them again... 

The 518 also remains flexible, which is a good thing with a Hesketh...

If you must use the RTV, I recommend Dow Corning 781 Clear - VERY high quality goop (try Screwfix for good prices).

Hope that helps

Jeff

[Pete D]

Outstanding!  Thank you. I'll look into finding TDC on the firing stroke, but will only loosen the cam bearing carrier.....clean and apply  the 518 sealant.....

I guess that it is a fairly common place for oil to weep from.....

Cheers

Pete

[Miti]

Here's how...



The secret is a really thin bead... it spreads between the faces marvellously...

HTH

Jeff

[Pete D]

You, Sir, are most kind.

Thanks.

Pete