Will a valve cover gasket seat?

[Guest]

Finally took my bike out for a ride yesterday for the first time since after a long winter of wrenching

When I adjusted my valves I replaced the cover gasket with a new oem one. I started the engine and noticed a few leaks around the half moons. I then removed the new gasket and half moons and used a gasket sealant (#97 gasket goo from permetex)as recommended. I cover the head and the cover and the top and bottoms of moons. I let sealant set for 2 days. Yesterday, after my 15 minute test ride, I noticed some new leaks from the gasket again.

What gives? I don't want to take the gasket off AGAIN, now that I just let the new sealant dry. Can I just wipe some more sealant on the seems of the gasket/valve cover? or will the Gasket just eventually seat?

thanks

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. maro,

I spray my paper gaskets with WD40 before I install them. Some people put a light coat of grease on them. This helps them seal and makes them easier to remove next time. Did you torque the bolts properly? I think the valve cover bolts are 6-7 ft lbs (check your manual). Start with the inside bolts and work your way out.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[maro]

ya know what cliff, I did oil them before I put them on. However, the first time I put the cover on, I torqued too tight because a piece of gasket around the bolt was beginning to rip. so I turned it back a turn. I know with a real gasket you should not torque much at all, but I thought I could get these oem's nice a firm. Anyway, the second time I put the cover on and torqued (I don't have a torque wrench), I went a bit lighter than the first time. Maybe I should give them all another turn.


any thought about sealant on the outside incase that don't work?

oh and sorry for the double post.

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. maro,

Spreading sealant on the outside might work for a while, but it will be another mess to clean up later. 6-7 ft lbs is fairly snug, but not too tight.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff