Need to replace LH cylinder head base gasket 2012 Norge

[Lash]

I've noticed an oil leak on the left cylinder of my 2012 Norge with 43,500 miles - a pretty good local wrench took a look and diagnosed it as the base gasket.

The wrench is a one man shop, former Ducati mechanic for the local Triumph/BMW/Ducati dealer - 20 years experience, lots of certifications. So I'm confident he can do the job.

Which leads to some questions, as I am by no means a capable mechanic - (Bill Hagan claims I could break an anvil). 

Anyway -

Any other gaskets, seals, O-rings or other parts that should be replaced at the same time?

- Anything to be careful about during disassembly/reassembly?

- Tips?

- Follow-up tweaks? Re-torque the head after so many miles?

- Special tools?

I know these are basically simple machines, but every marque has their mechanical quirks that aren't in the manuals. Speaking of which, I have the service station manual and spare parts manual. Any other pubs I should have?

Many thanks in advance.

[canuguzzi]

How much was it leaking? 

[Lash]

Not bad really, no oil on the ground, but the entire left side of the engine is a gooey mess. It's sort of a seep. You can see it when it's running.

Most unbecoming for such a fine machine.

[Vasco DG]

Check both the phase sensor and the oil pressure sender switch before you go pulling it apart.

Getting the barrel off requires dropping the engine.

Pete

[Lash]

Oh my. Thanks for the input.

[Wayne Orwig]

As Vasco mentions, there are a lot of things that are more likely to be leaking (and a lot easier to do). I would spend a lot of time with strong lights and mirrors trying to get to the exact cause first.

[Lash]

Thanks Wayne, I still need to remove the body work, get the engine clean, then run to see where the leak comes from. It's a real mess right now.

I just put 2,900 miles on her and only had to add 1/2 a quart of oil - keeping it below the full line. Probably a premature diagnosis.

The oil pressure switch was replaced about 4,000 miles ago, but I know they're prone to failure.

Updates as they occur!

[Bob Wegman]

Larry, There is a dye made for the purpose of locating difficult to find oil leaks.  You put it in the oil after you clean the engine and after running the engine for a while, you check for the leak using an ultra violet light.  The dye is available at good auto parts stores. 

[fotoguzzi]

  - keeping it below the full line. 
 

maybe try keeping the oil half way between the marks.. could it be breather related?

[Lash]

maybe try keeping the oil half way between the marks.. could it be breather related?

I'll check it out thanks!

[Stevex]

If it is the base gasket, have you thought about re torque-ing the head down first?

[Vasco DG]

Won't work. Both head and base gaskets are steel composites and incompressible.

Pete

[Stevex]

Won't work. Both head and base gaskets are steel composites and incompressible.

Pete

Things have moved on since my LM2 then