Oil leaking out of head

[Ride On]

Oil began spurting out of the head, just below the exhaust pipe.  I'm thinking this "hole in the head" contains some sort of pressure relief or check valve.  Anybody know for sure?  I just serviced the valves and I'm wondering if an oil port got blocked off during reassembly.

 

Thanks! 

[peteinpa]

I think that goes to the spark plug recessed area so rain can drain out.

Your valve cover gasket rolled on install.

[skipperT]

Second peteinpa’s comment  

I’d add that if oil continues to come out of the hole, then the gasket is not correctly installed. it’s possible that it was only a bit of residual fluid that got in there that you didn’t notice. 

Clean, monitor and cross your fingers and give it some time. If leak continues, you’ll have to pull it apart.

-Skip

[2and3cylinders]

If that's it, good call! 

Now I have to go look at the pics I took when I recently did my last major service which included having the plugs out.  As offhand I don't recall a drain hole down there...

[Ride On]

On 4/29/2022 at 6:02 PM, peteinpa said:

I think that goes to the spark plug recessed area so rain can drain out.

Your valve cover gasket rolled on install.

Thanks for the tip!  That is exactly what happened.  I pulled it all apart and found the gasket to be in great shape.  I cleaned it up with alcohol and pressed the gasket in place with light coating of Yamahabond to hold it.  In total, another 4 hours of work to get it right the second time. 

I took the attached pic prior to dissassembly.  Sure enough, oil in the spark plug recess.