Advise on gaskets

[XS1100 Newbie]

I am looking for a cam cover gasket, and i find one on Bike Bandit, which i order from. The question is, is there a less expensive gasket available? Also do you guru's recomend using antisieze on the bolts or not? I normaly allways use antisieze where steel meets aluminum, but i don't know about bikes. Anyone ever use just straight silicone on the cover?

[tarzan]

Try ebay or partsnmore.com for valve cover gasket.
Silicon could work,but way easier to just use a gasket.Especially for adjusting valves.
Antiseize is a good idea.Locktight would be my choice though.

[bikerphil]

I use the Permatex Ultra Grey #82194, works well with just a thin bead. I coat the edges of the half moons with it too. No leaks whatsoever. No gasket needed.

[Ivan]

The ultimate stuff is called "The Right Stuff" and is made by permatex. It is like silicone but is way more tolerant of having a smudge of oil or whatnot on the surfaces needing sealed. Also, it has almost no cure time, so by the time you get the bolts tight, its ready to run.

Normal high temp (Orange, Silver, Black etc) silicone will work just as well, but the surfaces should be sprayed off with carb cleaner or some other solvent to ensure there is no trace of oil to prevent sealing. Also, you really should wait a bit before running the engine, as it takes some time to cure. FWIW humidity in the air is what causes it to cure, so a hot muggy day will cause the stuff to set in 15 minutes, as a dry winter day it could take 3 hours.

I use the gasket in a tube for several reasons. I don't have to wait on shipping. Silicone is not pourous like fiber gaskets, so there is no need to have extra gasket coating around. On a valve cover this is almost a necessity with fiber gaskets. Silicone doesnt tear. It doesnt need to be glued in place on problem parts and such.

Mention has been made that silicone could break off inside the engine and plug oil passages. While I can understand the uneducated thinking this, it simply isn't true. The broken off bits are stopped by the oil pump screen and the oil filter. Unless you run without either, you're safe from plugged oil galleys.

On the valve cover there is a specific method that should be followed to decrease cussing and the need for beverages harder than the customary beer, which should be in any tool box. First, have a rag soaked in mineral spirits or something else that will clean the silicone off your application tool. I use my right index finger, but you may be prone to use your left, or another digit. I would refrain from using your pinky, especially in the presence of other men. Smear a layer of silicone on the HEAD, not the valve cover. I have found it nigh impossible to get the cover over the cam chain without dragging on the chain. Not only does this cause the seal to break, it just looks tacky having a big glob of silicone on the cam chain. Tsk tsk. The layer of silicone only needs to be about 1/16" thick, since it coats thee surface instead of laying a bead that will spread. Surround all bolt holes and the two dowel pin holes, which I am not sure are doewl holes, since none of the bikes I have worked on have them in the hole. Just slide the valve cover between the fram and engine, sit it in place and tighten the bolts. There should be a very thin bead roll out completely around the sealing joint. This confirms the silicone sealed all the way around. If that bugs you, it peels away easily after the full cure. The rag can now be used to clean your application tool, so as to avoid getting silicone in your nose. DAMHIK.

The antisieze becomes a moot point, since a bit of silicone ends up on the threads, and does a great job as an antiseize and thread lock.

Its really only a two beer job. But the third could be enjoyed admiring your work.

[dbeardslee]

When I install valve cover gaskets I just grease them good. Small amounts of high-temp grease worked well into the gasket on both sides. That allows the gasket to slide around a little as you apply torque, and also keeps them from getting stuck to the surfaces, so the next time you have to take it off your chances of being able to reuse the gasket are very good.

[XS1100 Newbie]

I am going to go ahead and install a new gasket. I have a bid in on one on ebay. Hope i win this one. It will save some bucks. I think i will tack it onto the head, so it won't slip when i put the cover on. Thanks for the advise folks.

[randy]

newbie,

If you're going to tack (glue?) the gasket to anything, put it on the cover NOT the head. If it's on the head and it comes time to scrape it off to replace it, you'll thank me.

[XS1100 Newbie]

Good point. It would be easier to clean the cover, rather than the head.
Point taken
thanks

[b.walker5]

I am looking for a cam cover gasket, and i find one on Bike Bandit, which i order from. The question is, is there a less expensive gasket available? Also do you guru's recomend using antisieze on the bolts or not? I normaly allways use antisieze where steel meets aluminum, but i don't know about bikes. Anyone ever use just straight silicone on the cover?

Follow this link, then print and make your own. Make sure you follow the instructions to get the right size and use a good quality gasket paper, any good hardware store should have some.

http://www.benefiscal.co.uk/forum/in...43573#msg43573

Try this link for the gasket info

[XS1100 Newbie]

Thanks B.Walker5. Very good listing, although i think cutting the cover gastet may take a more steady hand than i have.

[Incubus]

That is a very cool resource, B. Walker. I usually cut my own gaskets by tracing the part I am making a gasket for and then cutting out the inner borders to make it fit. Having a template will shorten the work considerably.

I'll have to take something off and give this a try...

Patrick

[Lamric]

I'm keen to get any feedback you have on the XS1100 UK gasket library. Hopefully it'll be useful and save some $$$$

[XSokieSPECIAL]

I am looking for a cam cover gasket, and i find one on Bike Bandit, which i order from. The question is, is there a less expensive gasket available? Also do you guru's recomend using antisieze on the bolts or not? I normaly allways use antisieze where steel meets aluminum, but i don't know about bikes. Anyone ever use just straight silicone on the cover?

This is where I get mine. They're only $10 and you don't have to WIn them.



http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/liquids.htm


Greg

[XSokieSPECIAL]

This is where I get mine. They're only $10 and you don't have to WIn them.



http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/liquids.htm


Greg

Oh crap!

You'll have to go to the main menu and find the right page.

Sorry, I thought that would send you right there.

Greg

[b.walker5]

Gets my vote...

I'm keen to get any feedback you have on the XS1100 UK gasket library. Hopefully it'll be useful and save some $$$$

Hi Brian, I think your library is a stroke of genius. I've used it for everything except head and barrel gaskets. I printed them on acetate at work where we have an A3 laser, then used an exacto hobby knife to cut them out. (but they print just as well on paper with an inkjet, just more cutting and taping) Saved me truckloads of money, as we just cant get them out here, and importing or making our own are the only options. Thanks heaps.