Valve Cover Gasket

[emlivings]

Good Morning,

Any tips on fixing oil leaks on valve cover gasket.
1979 GS850
Got the bike in 2024, the paper gasket failed around the half moons and in the middle of the cover. Got another gasket and new halfmoons..it failed again around the halfmoons. Got a new rubber gasket and while i was running a carb sync the gasket started leaking oil around the edges above the half moons.

I haven't taken the cover off yet but will do this today to see what failed.

I'm really having a hard time with getting a good seal, if anyone has had experience with this please give me your wisdom!

Ethan

[Nessism]

The gasket surfaces of both the head and valve cover need to be surgically clean, and free of old gasket material. And be sure to use an OEM gasket, not aftermarket.

Use engine grade RTV or Threebond sealer on the head, where the curved portion of the half moons seal. Some people use a small dab of sealer on the flat section of the half moons also.

Tighten the valve cover, working around, a little at a time. I think the factory manual has a tightening sequence. If not, start in the center, and work your way outside.

[emlivings]

should i add washers for the bolts? to help keep it tight? i have gone back and seen lose ones maybe a copper washer would help keep it under tension?

[Nessism]

Not needed. You can use a torque wrench, but those are scary and can strip threads if those in your head are weak. You can't just blindly torque.

[Big T]

Especially, don't overtighten the bolts.
I use a 1/4" drive rachet and when it feels tight, that's enough torque.