Valve cover grommets replacement ?

[Artie]

I’m wondering should I replace my valve cover grommets when i deal with a valve cover leak that developed when I had a low speed low side accident and hit the cam cover on the left side hard
ground off both cam caps and scraped the fins a bit OOOUCH all can be fixed but need to remove my valve cover to inspect the gasket as it’s leaking on front left hand corner a bit
the valve cover gasket and grommets are only six months old replaced during last valve clearance check
I may replace the gasket but I think it’s just disturbed at the Cam cap end enough to weep parked on side stand
but will order gasket to have on hand but wondering if I can reuse the existing grommets again.
So bummed to have had a crash first ever in 56 years of street riding
Fractured shoulder 2 severely broken ribs,healing quickly thou and don’t need any surgery
Last minute left turn while braking on fresh slick raining road and hit yellow lane marker line which are not paint but plastic strips on some Mass roadways here.Paint is bad this plastic stuff is like grease when wet …watch out for it!
Bang front wheel washed out instantly and down only going about 25 MPH
Damage is all cosmetic,busted headline bucket that I’ve removed and can repair and thanx to Louis @ CBX parts
in 6-8 weeks I’ll be riding again
I’m very lucky on both my injuries and so glad my beloved CBX can be brought back as before

[Jeff Bennetts]

Glad you’re okay, damage doesn’t sound too bad. Grommets should be good for years to come, getting hard and brittle is about the only thing that makes them leak!

[Artie]

Thanx

[daves79x]

Sorry to hear of your accident Artie. Hope you heal quickly! You very likely distorted the cam cover slightly. Might be a tough one to seal. Just to be clear though, the end caps are purely cosmetic and have no sealing function.

Dave

[Artie]

Thanx Dave for the well wishes,I’ll look for that.
I plan on taking it off w/o tilting motor,which I know is a bit of PIA,but I’ve done it before for cam chain adjustments and will make sure cover is flat.
Both cam caps destroyed and the cam cover did get a bit of a scrape above each.
Thankful engine fins not broken and cleaned up fine
Was able to get screws out w/o drilling.Headlite buckets needs work,and various scrapes and bends.
I’m hoping I’ll be OK on all counts soon.

[Jeff Bennetts]

Artie, what year is your bike?

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

Too bad about the spill, Artie.
Hope you heal quickly.

[Artie]

Artie, what year is your bike?

1979

[SteveG]

Ouch, Artie! Glad you are mending, and able to mend the CBX!
Steve