Oil seeps from valve cover bolt

[raider57]

I have 2012 R1200RT.
I have slight oil seeping from the valve cover bolt bushing area. Not a major leak at all, only about a single drop after parking over night. Only seems to be coming from the front bolt, not the rear. I always use the center stand at home.
Should I bother replacing the bolt bushings or just live with it for now?

[David.]

Should I bother replacing the bolt bushings or just live with it for now?

The bush is not available without the screw, see item No. 06, https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=11_4289

[raider57]

I did find these, bushing only:
https://www.bobsbmw.com/store/microfich ... eID=483745
Part 05 in diagram?
BMW Part #11 12 7654 978 ?

https://www.bobsbmw.com/store/microfich ... %207654978

[David.]

I did find these, bushing only.

Good find, the rubber bushes are indeed available from BMW, item No. 05, https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=02_0112

Thanks for the info.

Buy the bush(es),  stop the leak, it won't get any better on it's own.

[raider57]

Good find, the rubber bushes are indeed available from BMW, item No. 05, https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=02_0112
Thanks for the info.
Buy the bush(es),stop the leak, it won't get any better on it's own.

So do you think I can I just remove the bolts individually and replace the bushings one at a time, or should I just completely remove the cover?
The oil is coming from the front bolt only.
Just wondering.

[David.]

So do you think I can I just remove the bolts individually and replace the bushings one at a time, or should I just completely remove the cover? The oil is coming from the front bolt only.

Don't see why the offending (front) bolt/bush cannot be removed & the bush replaced. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.



Interesting that the Haynes Manual says,

"Check the condition of the cover bolt sealing grommets. If they are damaged or deteriorated, or if there are signs of oil leakage, fit new bolt and seal assemblies."

[raider57]

Exactly as I surmised. BTW, I will be receiving a Haynes manual in the mail today.
Thanks!

[raider57]

Don't see why the offending (front) bolt/bush cannot be removed & the bush replaced. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Interesting that the Haynes Manual says,
"Check the condition of the cover bolt sealing grommets. If they are damaged or deteriorated, or if there are signs of oil leakage, fit new bolt and seal assemblies."

Thought I'd report how the leak repair went. It was a pretty easy fix.
Removed only the leaking valve cover bolt. Cut off the old leaky 'bushing'.  Installing the new bushings over the bolt 'shoulder' was a cinch, as the bushing center hole is tapered.
Snugged up the bolts and have had absolutely no more seepage from any of the cover bolts after 800 miles riding.
I was also able to do this by replacing one bushing on each side, without disturbing the non-leaking bolts.

[David.]

Having removed the valve covers for servicing, although not leaking, decided to replace all four valve cover screw rubber bushes, they are only a couple of quid each.