Valve Covers Seals & Electrical Modules

[thunderbolt]

As a few of you probably know I am doing the CCT mod and changing shims to obtain correct valve clearance. Parts are in now so I can start and reassemble the top end.

When I pulled the valve covers off the mains seals (with half moons) stayed in the groove in the valve covers. I have cleaned up the corresponding surface on the cylinder heads where the seal sits and removed all traces of jointing compound. Can I replace the valve covers as they are without removing the seals from the grooves and cleaning up in the groove and also the top surface of the seals or do I need to remove the seals and do a thorough cleanup in there?

What is the best way or product to use to clean the rubber seals before replacing the valve covers on the heads? Thanks.

On another issue, while I have had the bike apart I have come across two electrical modules towards the rear of the bike. One on the LH side and one on the RH side. I assume they are for the ign control, but don't know. If someone can explain what each one is and what they do (how they operate) it would be greatly appreciated.

Following pics show the items I am referring to;



Above: This is the LH rear module and I am assuming the other smaller item is the starter relay.



Above: This is the RH module. Not so many wires running into this one. I know the other items on this side are the R/R and flasher relay.

Does the R/R look ok, or should I have one with larger finning. Bike is an '03 model.

Thanks for ALL help offered.

[AMCQ46]

the cam cover seals will be fine, don't pull them out of the grooves and I never do anything other than give them a wipe with a cloth before assembly. Just make sure the half moons are correctly seated and they work great.

the Reg / rec has been upgraded to finned type and it has also been mounted on an aluminium plate to add thermal conductivity, so that looks fine.

the 2 ignition boxes are in a strange place on your bike! on mine they live on top of each other right at the back of the tail fairing, between the lock mech and the real lamp. I suspect you have an undertray fitted and a previous owner has moved them?

[MacV2]

R/h side small is the starter relay large one is the CDI ECU Ignitor Control Unit

L/H side is the secondary ECU, flasher relay & R/R.

The R/R is ok as is the standard Honda later fined type...but is still prone to fail. For peace of mine fit a Mosfet type...bit dearer but cheaper than a blown r/r, fecked battery & melted loom.

All the people out there thinking Ehhh ?

This is an F2 Storm. On the older bikes these units sit at the back of the underseat unit just in front of the tail light.

[MacV2]

the cam cover seals will be fine, don't pull them out of the grooves and I never do anything other than give them a wipe with a cloth before assembly. Just make sure the half moons are correctly seated and they work great.

the Reg / rec has been upgraded to finned type and it has also been mounted on an aluminium plate to add thermal conductivity, so that looks fine.

the 2 ignition boxes are in a strange place on your bike! on mine they live on top of each other right at the back of the tail fairing, between the lock mech and the real lamp. I suspect you have an undertray fitted and a previous owner has moved them?

It's an F2 Al it's where they live...& they come with the finned R/R as well.

[Wicky]

Firestorm VTR1000F Honda Service Manual - CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE 8-23
http://www.vtr1000.org/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 31&t=18025

CYLINDER HEAD COVER INSTALLATION

Apply sealant to the cylinder head cover side of a new gasket.

Install the gasket into the groove in the head cover.

Apply sealant to the cylinder head semi-circular areas.

Install the cylinder head cover and special washers with the "UP" marks facing up.

Install and tighten the cylinder head cover bolts.
TORQUE: 10 N·m (1.0 kgf·m, 7Ibf·ft)

As for removing old gasket use a plastic or wooden scraper so as not to damage the metal surface. I use a wood clothiers peg and if stubborn gasket removal spray / silicone remover.

Rear leccy bits

Looks like you've got a car or similar turn relay component fitted just aft of your R/R. As mentioned your R/R is ripe for upgrading to a more reliable mosfet type,

[thunderbolt]

the 2 ignition boxes are in a strange place on your bike! on mine they live on top of each other right at the back of the tail fairing, between the lock mech and the real lamp. I suspect you have an undertray fitted and a previous owner has moved them?

Are you suggesting that other VTRs don't have the undertray like mine has. Mine has the rear part where the number plate goes cut off.

Thanks for the reply.

[AMCQ46]

Thunderbolt, don't worry, sound like that is the correct place for the newer bike/..........thanks Mac, for once in your life you have been useful

[MacV2]

the 2 ignition boxes are in a strange place on your bike! on mine they live on top of each other right at the back of the tail fairing, between the lock mech and the real lamp. I suspect you have an undertray fitted and a previous owner has moved them?

Are you suggesting that other VTRs don't have the undertray like mine has. Mine has the rear part where the number plate goes cut off.

Thanks for the reply.

Don't Panic Thunderbolt !

The undertray, subframe,loom & the way the electric gubbins is positioned is different on the later model F2 Storms.

Al is just confused as he has an older model (is an older model...) hence his comments...& the fact the blind git didn't read your original post properly especially the bit where it says ''Bike is an '03 model.''

[MacV2]

Thunderbolt, don't worry, sound like that is the correct place for the newer bike/..........thanks Mac, for once in your life you have been useful

Once ?

At least twice Alison, I posted up that dress sizing chart for you yesterday...

[thunderbolt]

As mentioned your R/R is ripe for upgrading to a more reliable mosfet type,

So a new R/R is now on the To Do List.

While I was down beside the bike checking the crankshaft marks to make sure the cam timing was ok I notice oil under each fork leg; so looks like they have to come out as well and have the seals replaced. Need to start reading up on that as well.

Thanks

[thunderbolt]

Which sealant is best to use around the half moon portions of the seal?

I have ThreeBond Liquid Gasket 1194, it is a semi drying liquid gasket. I use it when sealing crankcase halves together, never had one leak yet. Would it be ok on the valve cover seals? Don't know how hard it would be to remove from the rubber seal in the future when the covers come off next time.

Thanks

[Wicky]

Something like>

[AMCQ46]

as said, I ALWAYS refit the cam boxes without any added sealant. just remove any sealant from either part and wipe some oil on the sealing face then assemble. never leaked yet

[MacV2]

as said, I ALWAYS refit the cam boxes without any added sealant. just remove any sealant from either part and wipe some oil on the sealing face then assemble. never leaked yet

Unlike his Tenna's...

[sirch345]

as said, I ALWAYS refit the cam boxes without any added sealant. just remove any sealant from either part and wipe some oil on the sealing face then assemble. never leaked yet

Yes same here, the gasket normally stay's in the cam covers on removal, I never use any gasket sealant on the cylinderhead side of the gasket on refitting the cam covers. As already said before, just make sure the gasket, including the half moons are seated correctly on refitting the cam cover.

Chris.