Clutch cover gasket

[BigRed]

Hi, All.

I'm eagerly awaiting a set of clutch springs that I hope will solve my slip problem. I just remembered that I have not yet ordered a gasket, and I don't want to wait for one to arrive before getting into the engine. Do I actually need a gasket (i.e. is spacing of the clutch cover critical?) or can I just use some gasket maker? If I do need a gasket, does anyone know the thickness, and I can pick up some material to make one?

Thanks,
Brian

[DGXSER]

First of all, no, you do not need the gasket thickness there. RTV or the like will work just fine. Secondly, take the cover off carefully and you may be pleasantly surprised with the existign gasket staying in one piece for re-use. I know I have used the same one on Thunderstruck that was there when I got the bike and I have been in there at least three times.

IIRC that is the one gasket that is so big it is bigger than any of the material you can buy to cut one from.

[trbig]

No, the thickness isn't critical, though you'll probably have to adjust the clutch screw out a smidge.

You can buy a roll of gasket material from most any auto parts store and trace/cutout the gasket needed, but yes, you can also just use some form of form a gasket if you get both surfaces very clean of old gasket and oil.


Tod

[BigRed]

That's good news; thanks guys.

Brian

[trbig]

IIRC that is the one gasket that is so big it is bigger than any of the material you can buy to cut one from.

I've made several from the rolled gasket material I buy/bought, but the dowel pins in that cover make it a PITA to do.


Tod

[DGXSER]

Fair enough Tod, I have never made one for it. On one bike I reused the original, the other I used black RTV. Maybe its the valve cover that I have had trouble finding gasket material wide enough for even the shortest dimension.

[petejw]

hey dgxser,
yep its the valve cover,
its about an inch or 2 to wide.

[XSokieSPECIAL]

I made a valve cover gasket ONE TIME!

I'll NEVER do that again...........what a PITA

[trbig]

Well, Greg is obviously smarter than me, I have made several valve cover gaskets until I finally came up with his same conclusion.. lol.

I have bought rolls of gasket material here at my local stores up to 18" wide I think, and several feet long... plenty wide enough for any of the gaskets on the bike. Maybe just different suppliers here? I wouldn't sweat it though.. after making some, you'll probably come to the same conclusion we have... gasket in a tube.

Also makes cleanup so much better if you have to go back in. Scraping gasket material off SUCKS!

Tod

[petejw]

where i am the widest i could get was a foot,
ive always used gaskets, but i think im going
to convert to rtv since you guys have such good
success with it.
other than a clean surface whats the best way youve found to apply it?

[XSokieSPECIAL]

Well, Greg is obviously smarter than me I finally came up with his same conclusion.. lol.
Tod

About time........................A..................... ...........H..................

the best way youve found to apply it?

Squeeze it out of the tube and apply it to the surface to be sealed.....LOL

[DGXSER]

Pete, the stuff I buy says to put a small bead on one surface, let it skin over, then tighten it finger tight, wait for a bit (20 minutes to an hour, I don't recall exactly) then tighten the bolts 1/4 turn or so.

I'd say clean it up as stated, then follow the directions of the product.

[trbig]

I love the stuff designed to put the engine cases together. Either Yamabond or Tribond (1194). I prefer the Tribond since it's tan and the Yamabond is black, but you put a bead on, smear it with a finger and it levels/flows out even. Wait one minute and slap it together. Or.. DON'T wait the minute and slap it together anyway.. lol. It'll work either way. It stays pliable, so later if you have to go back in there, you can literally just grab it at the edges and pull it off in strips. No scraping gaskets ever again.


Tod

[petejw]

XSokieSPECIAL lmao was asking for something like that

other gasket sealants ive used not rtv ive applied to
both surfaces let it get tacky then applied,
just thought id ask for others opinions and yeah
reading the instructions always helps.

[petejw]

a while back i went to the local yammy dealer
and asked for yammy bond, him and the others
at the counter had never heard of it or carried it
useless hey.