Hissing valve noises

[zigbishop]

Howdy
Upon completion of my first home-service (R1150GS) I have despondently come across a couple of issues that maybe someone can shed some light on?

First of all, after replacing the oil and filter, the new oil has a very fine white line at the top when looking through the inspection window. I’m assuming this is condensation – as I left the bike overnight with the oil filler cap off and one of the valve covers not sealed completely.

Secondly, I adjusted the valve clearances and rocker end float as per Steptoe’s guide to a sweeter running bike, (performed the adjustments with the engine completely cold). All looked good, and I was pleased with my work, put everything back together, and started her up. Now there is a hissing/fizzing sound coming from (inside) the valve covers – both of them.

Very demoralising. Any ideas?

Thanks

Zig

 

[ianboydsnr]

spark plug loose or center oil seal not seated correctly

 

[MattW]

spark plug loose or center oil seal not seated correctly

As above, for the hissing, I'd start with the obvious (spark plugs etc). If this isn't the problem - recheck your work on valve clearances / rocker endfloat (you are sure you set each cylinder to TDC compression when you did the clearances?...)

The white line in the oil will just be condensation - it'll disappear first time you go for a run.

 

[Steptoe]

.. Now there is a hissing/fizzing sound coming from (inside) the valve covers – both of them.

Very demoralising. Any ideas?

Thanks

Zig

The rocker cover centre "O" ring gasket isn't seated correctly.

 

[Beetle2112]

What Oil are you using ?

 

[zigbishop]

Oil used was 20/50 mineral of the Duckhams variety (after a fruitless quest for Castrol at the local parts dealer).

Thanks for the tip on the o ring gasket - I'll check when I get home and feedback. If it isn't seated correctly, would there also be tell-tale oil leakage?

I had to come to work in my wife's Smart car today, so I'm keen to get to the bottom of it ASAP and avoid any further p*ss taking from work colleagues.

 

[ianboydsnr]

Oil used was 20/50 mineral of the Duckhams variety (after a fruitless quest for Castrol at the local parts dealer).

Thanks for the tip on the o ring gasket - I'll check when I get home and feedback. If it isn't seated correctly, would there also be tell-tale oil leakage?

I had to come to work in my wife's Smart car today, so I'm keen to get to the bottom of it ASAP and avoid any further p*ss taking from work colleagues.

possibly, but possibly not or not much showing, untill your reving it hard, depends where its leaking.

 

[oblertone]

Oh yes ...

If it isn't seated correctly, would there also be tell-tale oil leakage?

... indeedy; there will be plenty of tell-tale, especially if you ride it

 

[Pukmeister]

... indeedy; there will be plenty of tell-tale, especially if you ride it

Yeah, mostly down your trouser leg and all over your boots.

 

[MattW]

Oil used was 20/50 mineral of the Duckhams variety (after a fruitless quest for Castrol at the local parts dealer).

Thanks for the tip on the o ring gasket - I'll check when I get home and feedback. If it isn't seated correctly, would there also be tell-tale oil leakage?

I had to come to work in my wife's Smart car today, so I'm keen to get to the bottom of it ASAP and avoid any further p*ss taking from work colleagues.

It's worth taking notice of Steptoe's guidance about refitting the rocker cover. Basically fit the seal to the rocker cover, offer the rocker cover up and push it home. If you pull the rocker cover back off while refitting (even by only a small amount), remove the cover completely, fish the seal out of the spark plug tunnel and start again. If you don't do this it is very likely to leak.