cam cover gasket

[hostar]

hey

I did a search for previous threads on working on the cam cover but I couldn't find any

do you guys have those links? I need to replace my gasket again =(

[ccs]

I had a small oil leak on my GS850G. After checking the valve clearances I used "gasket maker" compound instead of the paper gasket. Put it around the cam end plugs too.

Seems to be working like a charm.

Charles...

[hostar]

did you even remove the the cover or you just put it around it?

mine was a small leak, now it is a big leak

[ccs]

I removed the cover -- had to, to check/adjust the valve clearances <g>

Never thought about trying to squeeze "gasket maker" compound into the leaking area as I needed to check/adjust the valve clearances. But it might work (I don't think there's much pressure up there and it just might stop a leak -- I don't think it would hurt to try -- but someone else may know for sure.)

Oh... and I had to use a flat blade screwdriver and an X-acto knife to remove all the pieces of the paper gasket both from the top of the engine and the cam cover itself (what a F'n chore that was!!) -- and I put several gouges in the top of the engine.

I decided that I didn't want to go through that the next time I check my valves, so used the "gasket maker" compound cause it peels away quite easily.

Charles...

[JHawkins]

The silicone gaskets from www.realgaskets.com seem to be the best way too go. Not much more money than paper, completely reuseable and guaranteed for life. It is what I have and I won't be going back.

Also, gasket maker is a bad way too go usually. Too much chance of a piece getting loose and blocking an oil passage.

[bwringer]

The silicone gaskets from www.realgaskets.com seem to be the best way too go. Not much more money than paper, completely reuseable and guaranteed for life. It is what I have and I won't be going back.

Also, gasket maker is a bad way too go usually. Too much chance of a piece getting loose and blocking an oil passage.

Mega-dittos on both points.

Silicone gaskets from RealGaskets are Da Bomb, but silicone gasket maker goo should not be used within 10 feet of a GS.

[hostar]

well I already have the gasket, what I was looking for is someone posted how to remove the cover, I remeber something about going fromt he inside out in a X format to prevent the cover from cracking.....anyone remeber those posts?

[bwringer]

well I already have the gasket, what I was looking for is someone posted how to remove the cover, I remeber something about going fromt he inside out in a X format to prevent the cover from cracking.....anyone remeber those posts?

I don't remember any posts on the topic, but that is a good way to do it. You don't have to be all that exact in the pattern, though. Just crack each one loose in some sort of organized fashion, then go back and remove them.

[hostar]

how about when i am putting them back on? I know i should torque them 1/4 of a turn after the bolts tighten tighten or something