Blown valve cover gasket

So I was just starting to slow for a red light, when there was a loud pop and puff of smoke between my legs. Somehow I managed to grab the clutch and hit the kill switch without wrecking, even managed to coast to a pull off. Turns out the valve cover gasket blew out the roundy bits. I just changed both gaskets, maybe I didn't torque right? Has anyone else seen this happen or have any ideas where to focus attention when taking this apart? Would blocking pair valves cause it?

IMG_20240414_165412138_HDR by mattgyver posted Apr 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM

IMG_20240414_165432297 by mattgyver posted Apr 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM

 

Probably either not in the groove or bolts not tightened. Glad it worked out as best that it could.

 

either bolts were loose or gasket was out of position when tightened. some recommend using sticky gasket stuff to help secure that half-round area.

 

Ok, I guess I goofed then. The feedback is appreciated.

 

In my experience, Honda typically recommends goop on the round bits. Check your shop manual and see if that's true for your year. This is from the 2014 ship manual.

 

Mine leaked without goop. Gaskets were not OEM but looked fine.

 

I use 1211 threebond for all that kind of stuff.

 

It seems unusual for the seal to blow out; I get that a lack of sealant might result in an oil weep but I am very surprised that there is sufficient air pressure in there to pop the seal out. I would be checking that the crankcase vent pipe off the rear cylinder to the airbox has not become blocked or kinked.

 

That's a good point and it makes me wonder. Did the puff of smoke come out of that hole or did it come from a drip of oil landing on something hot? If there's smoke up top, that starts to sound like a valve seal and/or valve seat problem.

Any update?