Moto guzzi 1100 breva left cylinder oil leak

[MotoGuzziMiami]

Hey friends!

So quick story I barely have the Guzzi for less than a year and last week I was riding on it and I felt a burning sensation on my left leg just as I was getting home from work.  Once I got home I noticed oil all over my left leg and sure enough the left cylinder was leaking oil... I cleaned up the cylinder and noticed the valve gasket leaking.  Now from doing my research I've noticed this is a common problem with the Guzzi?  Or did I do something wrong... also I read that this is reusable... forgive me for my lack of knowledge but how is it reusable if it is leaking... so I went out and bought a silicon gasket sealant I haven't put it on the valve gasket until I get the thumbs up if this is a good idea?

It is also due for an oil change so I'm wondering what oil and filter should I put on the bike with 5000 miles.

Looking forward to your response!!

Thanks again for letting me be a part of this forum!  Woot woot!

[oldbike54]

 The tappet cover gaskets are generally reusable , but nothing lasts forever . They are pretty cheap .

 Oh , and reading your intro , good start on a collection of bikes and welcome to WG .

  Dusty

[egschade]

It is also due for an oil change so I'm wondering what oil and filter should I put on the bike with 5000 miles.

Order the filter along with the valve cover gaskets from a reputable Guzzi house like MPH out of Houston.

I use the 10w-60 specified in the updated B1100 maintenance. Been buying the Liqui Moly via Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPL918E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

While you're replacing your valve cover gaskets may as well check the valve clearances...

[Chuck in Indiana]

bought a silicon gasket sealant I haven't put it on the valve gasket until I get the thumbs up if this is a good idea?

Absolutely not. It takes a very small bit of cured silicon to plug an oil way, and your engine is toast. Is it likely to happen? Maybe not, but don't take the chance.

[Dean Rose]

http://www.realgaskets.com/files/motorcycle.htm

Just don't over tighten them, been on my two bikes for years NO leaks.


Dean

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The "new" style metal-core gaskets are what I'd recommend.

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=170_174&products_id=4634

Filter:
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=164_167&products_id=2570

One choice for oil:
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Motor-Oil-Liqui-Moly-RaceTech-100-Synthetic-10W60-5l/_/R-AORLM2024_0435903878

[pehayes]

Once I got home I noticed oil all over my left leg and sure enough the left cylinder was leaking oil... I cleaned up the cylinder and noticed the valve gasket leaking.

Lets not jump to conclusions.  You sound new to Guzzi so some further analysis may be in order.

1-can you post a photo of where you think the leak is occurring?  If not a photo, perhaps a detailed physical description of the location.  Why do YOU think it is the valve cover gasket.

2-You've had the bike a year and only now it starts leaking.  Did you or someone else do any inspection or maintenance to the head recently?  It would be exceedingly rare to see a valve cover gasket just suddenly begin to leak profusely.

3-avoid the silicone seal.

4-There are other possible sources besides the valve cover gasket.  Oil pressure sensor?  Timing sensor?  Oil feed lines.  etc.  There is a lot of air flow over the engine and a leak at one location can quickly appear as a drip at another location.  Hate to see you make this simple gasket replacement repair and still find the same leak.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Bisbonian]

2-You've had the bike a year and only now it starts leaking.  Did you or someone else do any inspection or maintenance to the head recently?  It would be exceedingly rare to see a valve cover gasket just suddenly begin to leak profusely.

The couple of times I've had a valve cover gasket let go on my 1200 Sport it has happened suddenly with zero extra input from me.

[flip]

http://www.realgaskets.com/files/motorcycle.htm

Just don't over tighten them, been on my two bikes for years NO leaks.


Dean

 :1:

I put those on my Breva 1100 last year after getting leaks around both valve covers within a few days. I haven't ridden it much in the past year or so since putting the new gaskets in but no leaks so far.

[MotoGuzziMiami]

1-can you post a photo of where you think the leak is occurring?  If not a photo, perhaps a detailed physical description of the location.  Why do YOU think it is the valve cover gasket.


I will send pictures soon!

[MotoGuzziMiami]

Hey guys, so I'am installing the gasket now. Turns out the gasket was actually ripped apart. I'm placing the metal gasket as recommended. Thanks again for all your input. Posting pics soon

The "new" style metal-core gaskets are what I'd recommend.

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=170_174&products_id=4634

Filter:
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=164_167&products_id=2570

One choice for oil:
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Motor-Oil-Liqui-Moly-RaceTech-100-Synthetic-10W60-5l/_/R-AORLM2024_0435903878

[MotoGuzziMiami]

Working like a champ!

Haven't had the time to say thanks for the advice.