The Littlest Drip

Valves, guides, rings and head gasket replaced over the winter to address excess oil burning. Very much a success and its running really well. The Commando has never leaked any oil from any orifice. It really is a well dialled in machine.

But, I've noticed a small, wee, tiny little oil drip that originates at the right exhaust pipe/finned nut interface plopping down onto the timing cover. The oil is not coming from the above valve rocker cover and isn't running down the threads. It is coming from inside the exhaust port via the valve guide.

I realize oil is intentionally drawn down the exhaust valve guide and that normally, this small amount of oil is likely burned off or blown through the pipes. Yet the seal between the pipe and the finned nut that appears to be an issue.

The pipe is snug. The crush washer appears to be correctly seated. But this little drip of oil is seeping out and really spoiling my day. (I had a serious argument with the espresso maker as a result).

Has anyone one else experienced this and is there any sort of high temp. sealing material between the pipe and nut?

BC
71 Commando
68 TR6P

"The pipe is snug"

RFT is the accepted torque value... :mrgreen:

Wipe your finger under the high pressure banjo on the right side of the head and see if you get oil.
The oil will migrate from there in mysterious ways to places you wouldn't think it would go, particularly around the exhaust nut as the head leans forward.

If you have changed that valve guide then the oil may be coming from between the head and guide. Is there any sign of smoke from that pipe or is it possible to see the valve through the plug hole. If not then it may be necessary to remove that exhaust pipe of to look in the exhaust port at the guide.

Likely the front rocker spindle plate on that side. Because that part of the head is vertical the oil doesn't accumulate there but collects on the fins and timing cover and around the plug. Are they stock plates or the ss replacements? I have the ss replacements and have had lots of trouble. First I overtightened them and this destroyed the gasket and it was blowing oil everywhere. Next was under tightened but still seeped pretty bad. I've been gently tightening them and its mostly stopped but still have a slight film on the engine and my boot. Just decided to live with it. The rocker feed is seeing full engine oil pressure from the feed side and hard to seal.
Triumphs and BSA's take the rocker feed from the oil pump return side.