Oil not draining from cylinder head?

[The Jimbonaut]

I'm trying to check the valve clearances on my '81 cb750, and there's a lot of oil in the pockets in the cylinder head surrounding the valve lifters - so much oil in fact that the shims are totally covered in the stuff. The front cam (exhaust cam?) is almost overflowing over the valve cover gasket.

Is this normal? Can I go ahead and check the valve clearances or do I need to drain some of this oil? In which case, how?

Thanks!

-J

 

[The Jimbonaut]

You know what, I just wicked some up with a cloth - still would like to know if that much oil in there is normal or if it should be draining better?

 

[SurferD]

Mine does the same thing. I think it's the angle of the engine that creates pools in front maybe put a block under the front wheel.

 

[The Jimbonaut]

Good idea, I'll try that