998 ENGINE HEAD GASKETS

[oldguyinTX]

My 2013 RTL with just over 15K miles recently developed an oil leak. After taking it to the dealer, they found that both ​valve cover gaskets were leaking badly. We are talking about a very expensive repair here. When I asked the service manager if this would be covered under warranty, he told me that BRP has been flatly refusing to warranty head gaskets. So, I called BRP & got a case number started. No guarantee that it will be covered, but at least BRP is willing to consider it.

My question is, has anyone else with the 998 engine had this problem, and if so, what was your mileage when they failed, and what was the final resolution?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Dwight

edited 9:55 am 11/20/15

[Highwayman2013]

Just to clarify, is it the head gaskets or the valve cover gaskets? Big difference in cost and amount of work. Maybe get a second opinion.

[POD KonB GA]

I have leaking gaskets on my 2010 RTS. Taking mine to a forum member to work on. He discovered it at the last oil change. That was at around 20K miles. Still been riding it, just checking oil frequently. I can smell it after a ride. Keep us posted if you get anywhere with BRP.

[jtoro1]

I had an oil leak from the valve cover gaskets when I checked my valve clearance fixed by replacing the gaskets $35 + 3 hours of work ,you can do it if you're mechanically inclined I do not think it's head cover gasket it's the valve cover gaskets. If its the head cover gasket you would have other worse problems

[oldguyinTX]

Sorry, my mistake. It is the valve cover gaskets, NOT the head gaskets.

[Highwayman2013]

Sorry, my mistake. It is the valve cover gaskets, NOT the head gaskets.

A lot less work then.

[Chupaca]

Have seen posts with valve cover gasket leaks. Though they are a rubber type they should be changed whenever removed to avoid problems. I have 32,000 miles without a leaK. There is always some residue that wipes off but no leakage. If no valve clearance checks were made this would be the time to do it and it should not be that big a job. If you have a green manual you can check the flat rate and estimate it by your dealer shop rate... good luck with it being warranty but hope they kick in for you...

[finless]

Per service procedures on the 998.
If you have the 14K valve check done they are suppose to replace the valve cover gaskets at that time.

Changing those gaskets is not that hard! About 2 hours labor max.

Bob

[gypsy_100]

Have seen posts with valve cover gasket leaks. Though they are a rubber type they should be changed whenever removed to avoid problems. I have 32,000 miles without a leaK. There is always some residue that wipes off but no leakage. If no valve clearance checks were made this would be the time to do it and it should not be that big a job. If you have a green manual you can check the flat rate and estimate it by your dealer shop rate... good luck with it being warranty but hope they kick in for you...

Good excuse to have the valve clearance checked. My dealer automatically included new gaskets when he checked the valves. One question -- are they sure the gaskets are bad and it's not just a case of needing tightening? Some of the bolts are pretty hard to get to but might be worth trying without ripping everything apart.

[oldguyinTX]

I did have the 14K service done, but the valves were not checked because both the tech & the service manager felt that it was unnecessary, as they sounded normal i.e. no ticking, etc. So the valve covers were not removed. Now that the gaskets need to be replaced they are going to check the valves and adjust if necessary.

[MouthPiece]

2013 RT-S, (yellow) with little over 23,000 miles. No issue detected.

Chris

[Snowbelt Spyder]

I did have the 14K service done, but the valves were not checked because both the tech & the service manager felt that it was unnecessary, as they sounded normal i.e. no ticking, etc. So the valve covers were not removed. Now that the gaskets need to be replaced they are going to check the valves and adjust if necessary.

The 998 is an overhead cam motor without rocker arms or a cam follower. Over time, the valve clearances decrease, not increase, because valve seat wear causes the valve to sink further into the head and the valve stem becomes closer to the cam. There would be no ticking / tapping sounds or anything like that. Also makes me wonder if, in their conversations with BRP about the warranty, if they used the term head gasket or valve cover gasket. I just don't think they wanted to mess around with the air box and all. Many of us on here have reported that the valve clearances were OK at the 14K service, but I think it was your tech's responsibility to perform the service as required by BRP.

[ARtraveler]

RE: Valve cover gaskets:

Brief History: I had the valve cover adjustment service on my 2008 at 12,000 miles as directed at the time. No leaks or adjustment needed on the machine.

I waited until 28,000 miles on my 2010 RTS. The valves needed no adjustment. The mechanic failed to put new gaskets in and the motor started to leak oil. The dealer replaced the gaskets at no additional charge and I had no further leakage. I traded off the 2010 with 36,500 miles on it.

I own a 2011 RT A&C. I am not planning on doing a valve adjustment until around 50,000 miles--provided there are no issues with the motor.

Happily, the 2014 no longer lists valve check services.

Each valve adjustment service was about $800.

I do not recall many posting that they needed valve adjustments or had the gaskets leak for no reason (early on--your case here).

[bscrive]

My 2013 RTL with just over 15K miles recently developed an oil leak. After taking it to the dealer, they found that both ​valve cover gaskets were leaking badly. We are talking about a very expensive repair here. When I asked the service manager if this would be covered under warranty, he told me that BRP has been flatly refusing to warranty head gaskets. So, I called BRP & got a case number started. No guarantee that it will be covered, but at least BRP is willing to consider it.

My question is, has anyone else with the 998 engine had this problem, and if so, what was your mileage when they failed, and what was the final resolution?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Dwight

edited 9:55 am 11/20/15

Dwight,

What a lot of bull on BRP's side. If you still have warranty, and the covers have not been touched then they should replace them under warranty. They are obviously defective. If this was a car, it would be covered under warranty.

I wonder if you heating issue of the past had anything to do with this.

[AbNormy]

44k on a 12RT no valve cover leaks dealer supposedly checked them on the 14k service but i recently noticed fresh oil behind the rear cylinder didnt look like valve cover wondered what else can be the culprit. Had the tupperware off to check the JTs air filter and change the oil. Still have RPMOne extended service contract till 17 and its paid for itself at least twice but this clear spot behind that rear cylinder on left side wasnt readily apparent exactly where it came from. Anybody else get a leak around there?

Norm H Austin Tx

[arachnoid]

Rotax motors as a whole are bullet proof, but I know that a bit of "seepage" is considered normal. Ours has a few damp spots but I just put it down to Rotax sealing quality. Im not worrying about it on our Spyder unless the smells get overpowering, then I will fix it myself. We have a 2012 RT-SE5 with 13,500 miles. And the remark that if it was a car (cant remember who), we own a N/A 06 Subaru Baja and got stuck eating the $2000 head gasket replacement that was a poor quality OEM gasket from the manufacturer! It fails at 60,000ish miles and gives you plenty of warning before meltdown. Would I buy another new Subaru? Yes, without hesitation. No vehicle is totally perfect-just has to be safe, fun and overall reliable-looking cool is just a bonus!

[jcthorne]

Dwight,

What a lot of bull on BRP's side. If you still have warranty, and the covers have not been touched then they should replace them under warranty. They are obviously defective. If this was a car, it would be covered under warranty.

I wonder if you heating issue of the past had anything to do with this.

No, they are replaced at 14k as a normal maintenance item. The OP elected NOT to perform the required maintenance. Now its needed and he gets to pay for it. Its NOT a warranty item and hence why BRP is declining. If they were leaking PRIOR to the 14k service interval, then they would be covered under warranty.