Cracked valve cover

1

1929 Leatherback

Member
Good evening everyone.

Removed the valve cover off of my 29, only to find cracks around the area where the bolt is threaded into the cover at the oil return location. The problem is that who ever did previous work on it over tightened that bolt and now it has cracks in it. It's not broke out, but I don't really want to put it back together like that. If it were to breakout while on the road, it would pump the oil out.

My question here is, has anyone had to deal with something like this, or if I could I would buy a new one, but I cant seem to find any new ones

Thanks in advance!!
 
Put an ad in the swap meet. There should be plenty of them around. Measure the location of oil return hole, so you get the correct one.

Bert’s in Denver would also have them.
 
1929 Leatherback said:
Good evening everyone.

Removed the valve cover off of my 29, only to find cracks around the area where the bolt is threaded into the cover at the oil return location. The problem is that who ever did previous work on it over tightened that bolt and now it has cracks in it. It's not broke out, but I don't really want to put it back together like that. If it were to breakout while on the road, it would pump the oil out.

My question here is, has anyone had to deal with something like this, or if I could I would buy a new one, but I cant seem to find any new ones

Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...


I have one if you would like it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
1929 Leatherback said:
Good evening everyone.

Removed the valve cover off of my 29, only to find cracks around the area where the bolt is threaded into the cover at the oil return location. The problem is that who ever did previous work on it over tightened that bolt and now it has cracks in it. It's not broke out, but I don't really want to put it back together like that. If it were to breakout while on the road, it would pump the oil out.

My question here is, has anyone had to deal with something like this, or if I could I would buy a new one, but I cant seem to find any new ones

Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...
I have 6 of them but on west coast! Check with your local club! They will be glad to give you one i"m sure!
 
I have seen this a few times:
 

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1929 Leatherback said:
Good evening everyone.

Removed the valve cover off of my 29, only to find cracks around the area where the bolt is threaded into the cover at the oil return location. The problem is that who ever did previous work on it over tightened that bolt and now it has cracks in it. It's not broke out, but I don't really want to put it back together like that. If it were to breakout while on the road, it would pump the oil out.

My question here is, has anyone had to deal with something like this, or if I could I would buy a new one, but I cant seem to find any new ones

Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...

There aren't any new ones available. What you're describing is a common problem as people overtighten the oil return pipe and it cracks the spokes.
We do the crack repair on those covers as finding a crack free one is nearly impossible after 92 years.

http://www.jandm-machine.com/crack_repair.html
 

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J and M Machine said:
There aren't any new ones available. What you're describing is a common problem as people overtighten the oil return pipe and it cracks the spokes.
We do the crack repair on those covers as finding a crack free one is nearly impossible after 92 years.

http://www.jandm-machine.com/crack_repair.html
Click to expand...

I don't really think a crack free piece is nearly impossible to find. This piece is readily available and easy to find crack free. Like already pointed out, probably the easiest engine piece to find.
 
31Tudor said:
I don't really think a crack free piece is nearly impossible to find. This piece is readily available and easy to find crack free. Like already pointed out, probably the easiest engine piece to find.
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Because every man and his dog buys a full flow oil filter kit and this part is within the kit?
 
I have the same issue, could not find another, put it back on but tightened the bolt just to seal, been four years and no problems, not a drop of leakage.
I'm not going to worry about it at this time.
 
31Tudor said:
I don't really think a crack free piece is nearly impossible to find. This piece is readily available and easy to find crack free. Like already pointed out, probably the easiest engine piece to find.
Click to expand...
I agree I have 6 not cracked in the shop!
 
there are two styles early and late. make sure you order the correct one or you will need a different drain tube.

if you want new you can get a new aluminum one that has a filter adapter on it.
 
if you were totally stuck you could probably make an insert that fits into the cover from the back that will accommodate the attaching bolt.
i am sure you will find one,
i have 3 old style ones here i will send you one free . you pay for the shipping cost. probably $25 to ship???
 
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