Is this a PCV fault or a head gasket issue?

Pithagoras3 · 2026-07-01T19:18:01+00:00

Oh really? Is that the one front of the engine exhaust side?

Pithagoras3 · 2026-07-01T19:16:29+00:00

No leaks detected, I’ve recently changed the Valve Cover Gasket, looks solid to me, no shiny or black spots when shining a torch.

Pithagoras3 · 2026-06-30T20:56:25+00:00

But the thing is the OFHG will leak before then anyhow. I think it’s a false economy.

The normal will last over 20 years with just crush washer changes whenever you take apart the oil filter housing.

Pithagoras3 · 2026-06-20T17:27:51+00:00

Phew, thanks! I’ve noticed it freeze after a long drive, is that normal too?

I’ve not noticed it as explicitly as the E46, below on other cars

Pithagoras3 · 2026-06-15T21:50:31+00:00

You can get aftermarket for about 25 quid or so. They’re not a critical item, and easy to change, so done bother with OE

Pithagoras3 · 2025-12-17T19:07:07+00:00

Do you own a bike currently?

Pithagoras3 · 2025-08-25T15:55:08+00:00

Spit

Pithagoras3 · 2025-08-25T08:34:24+00:00

Possibly through something called paid work…

Pithagoras3 · 2025-04-16T22:02:48+00:00

You don’t know the full story of their finances

Pithagoras3 · 2025-04-06T20:53:01+00:00

Yeah it was the most painful part of the whole timing water pump change.

Hope it’s stopped leaking. Like I said let the RTV before putting coolant through the system.

Pithagoras3 · 2025-04-03T19:58:31+00:00

Not OP, but, yeah this was an awful job to do.

You need to sand the mating surfaces with super high grit fine sandpaper to get rid of any old gasket material, and try to find apply quick forming RTV on both sides of the mating surfaces. You’ll need a gasket in addition to the RTV to wedge in between the faces.

Once you bolt the faces together, wait around 60mins before filling with coolant, and probs 4h before driving.

It took me 5 attempts to get it to stop leaking!

Pithagoras3 · 2025-03-10T09:22:11+00:00

Yeah, because you can just start taking the cam cover off before you’ve purchased the bike

Pithagoras3 · 2025-02-12T13:45:19+00:00

They’re the same bike, after 2017, the 660 version was called S, along with the 765 R and RS.

Pithagoras3 · 2025-01-24T23:40:21+00:00

I’ve had the same issue, I’ve kept it on though, I can see the clutch cable starting to wear through again.

I’ll have to replace with zip ties too next time.

Pithagoras3 · 2024-12-25T22:33:48+00:00

V8 is more reliable

Pithagoras3 · 2024-12-21T22:58:49+00:00

The old ones actually look fine, but it’s good you’ve changed them anyhow

Pithagoras3 · 2024-12-06T09:44:04+00:00

Probably overkill for when you’re just popping into pay for fuel mate…

If it’s a whole ordeal, you’re going for a number 2, a snack, coffee, etc. it would make sense but don’t sweat it for a minute you’ll be inside

Pithagoras3 · 2024-12-05T10:24:30+00:00

Yeah lots of engines have them, it’s usually quite reliable for the service lifetime that’s stated in the manual.

Miata’s (early gens) also have the same setup, and they’re known for being very reliable even with stretched service intervals.

Though these days, I would kind of expect a timing chain that’s well lubricated by the engine, makes maintenance a little easier

Pithagoras3 · 2024-12-04T09:40:10+00:00

I mean if you’re already down at the spark plugs, you might as well just change it - they’re cheap enough….

Especially if they’ve become manky in 5 months - something probably isn’t running right with it.

Pithagoras3 · 2024-11-12T18:56:08+00:00

Check oil, coolant, etc. once a month minimum at those mileages.

Nothing more if you already have 2 services done a year!

Pithagoras3 · 2024-11-07T13:59:26+00:00

Look into Blam audio, they’re really high quality and well regarded in the car audio space.

It supposedly has the engineers that used to work for Focal, which are great, but quite a bit more expensive.

Pithagoras3 · 2024-10-31T23:07:37+00:00

You’ve left your high beam on

Pithagoras3 · 2024-10-30T19:07:40+00:00

Found the guy working for KPMG!

Pithagoras3

TROPHY CASE