Haven't been here for a while. My (Early model) '09 has got the dreaded oil leak at the "half moons" on the Head Cover.

it was leaking for a little while but after the winter, when i fired it up, oil was streaming out.

My dealer said i should call KAWI corporate and whine to see if they'll cover it, even though it's out of warranty.

Has anyone had luck with trying this? I know there were a few people who had the early models that went through this.

:@ i know it's an easy fix, and will likely just fix it since it sounds easier than going through KAWA.... i still haven't done any of the recall work either... :S

 

Just get some Permatex and put a thin coating around the moons. I actually drove my bike while it was spraying oil out the moons(only because I wasn't at home when I pushed one of the moons in). I think that it's a terrible design, a necessary evil though.

To answer your question, it will be much easier just fixing it yourself than trying to get Kawi corporate to do right.

 

Hey, it's a worth a try to see if you can get Kawasaki to give you a new gasket under warranty, but this almost always requires that dealer you spoke to to file the claim. And unless your dealer has sold a few '09 models, he may not even be aware of this issue on many of the '09 valve cover gaskets. Maybe get your dealer to call Kawasaki to see if they are aware of the problem, as they may well be aware of it and may give you a new gasket. It won't hurt if you can get the dealer to make an inquiry.

Jhoff, this is not a terrible design...just a specific, terrible gasket that surfaced in '09. This valve cover gasket design has been around forever, and it works excellently. The rubber compound in some/all of the '09 models had something that allowed the rubber to shrink. This isn't normal. A buddy still has the '88 KLR650 that I sold him many years ago that has the same, exact gasket design, and it still has the original gasket in it.

 

+100 to this. It is unfortunate that the 09 has an issue with this and it needs addressed as mentioned.

 

Just smear some gorilla glue in there ... That'll fix er right up

 

I wouldn't use Gorilla Glue - it expands wayyyyy too much.

 

On my 300 I used Hondabond which is the same as Yamabond and would be the equivalent of Kawibond if there is such a thing? (I think there is?)
The stuff seals about anything and it stays flexible.
Will the older gaskets work? Can you still get one?
Hope the dealer hooks you up.

 

Personally, I VERY much dislike others touching my stuff. I'd just get a fresh gasket and some Permatex. Should take 1/2 hour or so. Save yourself a hassle. You'll know it's done right.

 

Hey thanks guys

I'm going to just do it... Will have it done the same day the part's in. If we were talking a lot of money and time it would be a little different!. Maybe I'll try the gasket goop first and if it doesn't hold...I'll get the actual gasket later.

Thanks for the info everyone!

 

The gasket will run you north of $35. That may or may not include shipping.