Suzuki Bond- use it or lose it? '83 GS550ES

[BigD_83]

The Clymer Manual says to use threebond when reinstalling a new valve cover gasket on the 550ESD. Based on the grey remains in the groove, I'd say that a PO has used something else in the past, but it is missing in many places. This just might be contributing to a liberal top end leak.

Question, is it NECESSARY to use a bonding agent in the ENTIRE groove? Or can one get away with using it only on the half-moons?

[SVSooke]

I don't use anything of the 85 750.No oil leaks from the valve cover.

[Nessism]

The idea is to hold the gasket in the groove during install. You shouldn't need a continuous bead to do this. Do not use adhesive on the sealing surfaces that touch the head, other than (maybe) a smig on the half moon areas.

[BigD_83]

Thanks, guys.

I just couldn't comprehend why so much was needed previously. It looked (to me) like enough had been spread in there that someone had been trying to stop a leak, but with so many gaps, I don't know if some worked its way into the valve area.

Pieces of an old credit card worked wonderfully removing the old Threebond.

Derrick