Does the oil need to be drained before removing the cam cover.

 

No but put a pan under it because you may get a pint or so.

Do it all the time...when done just fire up and then check the oil.

JIm

 

Jim hit it on the head. I just did this yesterday. Also, expect some to leak on the frame which may run in areas away from your pan, so a few well-placed shop rags help a little too. Knock it with a rubber mallet or something similar and try not to "pry it" off too much - if you damage the surface the gasket will have a harder time sealing. Finally, make sure to get all the oil cleaned off of both surfaces before installing the new gasket - oil tends to hide in a few places on the nosecone and decides to come out just when you align the cone up with the pins to put it back on!

Hobo

 

You need to have a new gasket, mine tore up when I took the cover off.

 

Thanks for the advice, hate to loose all that expensive Mobil1 I just installed.

 

Use the old tin foil drain trick under the cam chest and over the pipes.

 

Hey, that bike looks familiar!

 

Leave the bike on the jiffy stand, rather than straight up, and you will lose only 4-5 ounces.