Reassembling engine- couple questions

[runewolf]

Ok, on the home stretch putting my engine (1978 GS 750) back together, but have a couple questions.... In my gasket kit (Vesra VG-342) I have 8 items that are dome shaped with a hole at the top with a small oring in it where does this go I do not see it in my manual?

Next, the kit did not include the half moon plastic pieces (Bikebandit.com calls them PLUG CYLINDER H on their microfiche) that go on the cylinder head ends. Fortunately I did not throw these away, but wonder at what point do you replace these? I honestly do not see how these seal anything useful?

[DimitriT]

Ok, on the home stretch putting my engine (1978 GS 750) back together, but have a couple questions.... In my gasket kit (Vesra VG-342) I have 8 items that are dome shaped with a hole at the top with a small oring in it where does this go I do not see it in my manual?

Next, the kit did not include the half moon plastic pieces (Bikebandit.com calls them PLUG CYLINDER H on their microfiche) that go on the cylinder head ends. Fortunately I did not throw these away, but wonder at what point do you replace these? I honestly do not see how these seal anything useful?

Those 8 items are valve stem seals. If you removed the valves you can replace the seals which fit over the valve stems. If your original seals weren't leaking (blue smoke on startup and light fouling on plug) you may opt to leave the originals in place.

The half-moon seals keep oil from pouring out the holes when the motor is running. You can try reusing them but sometimes they need replacing because they shrink and leak. You only need to take the valve cover off to replace them, though. Some folks apply a light wipe of silicone over the top of the half moon after its been inserted and before the valve cover goes back on. That's where they tend to leak from. I had one pop out while I was on the road and got oil all down the side of the bike, my jeans and my boot.

[runewolf]

Ok, I didn't remove the valves. Didn't have the tools to even attempt it. Since I've been putting the bike on its center stand when I park it for more than a few hours, I haven't had any smoke or problems starting, so hopefully all is good there.

So I guess some sealant would be a good idea for those moons anyway. Looks like the local stores have Permatex stuff and I think my father still has some blue goo. What should I use?

[vwdoctor3]

use a black high heat permatex.

[runewolf]

use a black high heat permatex.

Thanks, I took your signatures advise and broke it lol. I now have to get a bolt piece removed from the head so I'll be a little longer getting everything back together

[Killer2600]

Well the saying goes "If it ain't broke, you aren't trying hard enough"

Guess you were trying hard enough \\/