Valve cover gasket - install dry or coated/soaked in oil or something?

[Andrew Vanis]

Valve cover gasket - install dry or coated/soaked in oil or something?

Want to void future scraping and tearing as I readjust valves.

Thoughts?

[Burque73]

Wd40 works great. I've been able to remove the cover and reuse the gasket a couple of times. Prone to leaks after a few reuses though. Anyway, soak it w/Wd40 is my suggestion. Can't remember where I read that but it sure works.
You may see a bit of smoke from hot W d on first startup but it goes away quickly.

[mmattockx]

I put a thin layer of grease on both sides of my gasket and it has come off OK a couple of times now. As Burque73 says it will start to leak after being compressed a few times.


Mark

[GregT]

I use threebond to stick the gasket to the cover. Nothing on the engine side. They come off with the cover and will stand several valve check cycles.

[bwringer]

I put a thin layer of grease on both sides of my gasket and it has come off OK a couple of times now. As Burque73 says it will start to leak after being compressed a few times.


Mark

Same here -- a thin coating of grease on both sides.

It's hard to say what the limit is, and I haven't kept perfect track, but I know I've used an OEM gasket through at least five valve checks with no leaks. Pay attention to the torque specs and don't over-tighten and squash it, and they're surprisingly resilient.

[mmattockx]

It's hard to say what the limit is, and I haven't kept perfect track, but I know I've used an OEM gasket through at least five valve checks with no leaks. Pay attention to the torque specs and don't over-tighten and squash it, and they're surprisingly resilient.

Good advice here, the torque spec is very low and most everyone will over tighten them significantly without using a torque wrench.


Mark

[Rust_to_Redemption]

I've always used high vacuum silicone grease, because it withstands high temp and pressure without breaking down. I also have access to a ridiculous amount of this due to a former occupation so it may be overkill and way more expensive than other grease types without any appreciable differences.

[bwringer]

I've always used high vacuum silicone grease, because it withstands high temp and pressure without breaking down. I also have access to a ridiculous amount of this due to a former occupation so it may be overkill and way more expensive than other grease types without any appreciable differences.

Yeah, I'd say that would be overkill. I'm not sure whether silicone grease could cause clutch issues.

Just use the cheapest grease you have -- something translucent, not the stuff containing molybdenum. Wipe on a thin coat and you're good to go.

[Rust_to_Redemption]

Yeah, I'd say that would be overkill. I'm not sure whether silicone grease could cause clutch issues.

Just use the cheapest grease you have -- something translucent, not the stuff containing molybdenum. Wipe on a thin coat and you're good to go.

We used this stuff on gaskets that were under much more heat and pressure, and exposed to harsh chemicals, and it never broke down or melted. It's also resistant to veg/mineral oils. Point being it's not going to seep out of the gasket to ever get to the clutch. Never had issues in using it for 10 years in other bikes I've owned. Also allows you to get 5-10 re-uses out of a gasket if you torque it to proper spec.