Valve cover gaskets

[mick_p]

Hi All

Finally got my new valve covers and was wondering if you have any tips on gaskets. I was told to use grease on the new gasket as a seal?  does it matter what type? I have some axel grease in the garage will that do?

Thanks

[Bob_Roller]

Just about any kind would work, and just a thin layer will do.

[Paul]

I have been having really good luck with the silicone rubber gaskets made by Real Gasket Corporation.
http://www.realgaskets.com/files/motorcycle.htm#bmw

I use these gaskets on the valve covers and the oil pan.  So far, they have not leaked even after having the valve cover gaskets on and off several times.

Paul
83 R65

[Ed Miller]

I don't think the stock ones seem to be prone to leaking, either.  30,000 miles on mine with the usual valve checks.  I can't remember if I used grease, but the gasket stays stuck to the head when I pull the cover off.

Dang, that company you linked to doesn't have the timing inspection cover for my Triumph!  Now there's a part I have to remove frequently.  Maybe I'll get some rocker box gaskets though.  Thanks for the link.

[thrang]

I've never had any problems with the rocker gaskets. The only problems I have had have been with the chrome nut studs both of which needed helecoiling every 150k or so on the Bimbo. Don't know what Bimbo2 is going to be like but judging by the bodges I've had to sort out on her, they'll probably have been over tightend at some time in her past and need doing at some point.

[Ed Miller]

I've never had any problems with the rocker gaskets. The only problems I have had have been with the chrome nut studs both of which needed helecoiling every 150k or so on the Bimbo. Don't know what Bimbo2 is going to be like but judging by the bodges I've had to sort out on her, they'll probably have been over tightend at some time in her past and need doing at some point.

See, Thrang, you're the only one of us I know who can say things like " The only problems I have had have been with the chrome nut studs both of which needed helecoiling every 150k or so on the Bimbo."

I'm in awe, at least a little bit.  Even if you mean kilometers, not miles.  Good job.
Ed

[tagordon]

I tapped the center spot for a 8mm bolt & used the same bolts that are used for holding airbox to engine. Just must be careful not to over torque as is aluminum. Finger tight plus 3/4 turn seems fine. The same bolt is used in a couple other places also. Haven't had any worries after the change. Also changed the valve cover studs to stainless steel with stainless steel nuts & washers. Now I can pull em when hot & not strip anything.

[thrang]

Although the rest of Euro land work in kilometers Ed, us Brits still cling to our miles and our pints. My brain (well whats left of it lol ) just dosen't get metric travel distances, or booze consumption... (which is probably why my brain won't get a handle on metic in the first place!)

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I've never had any problems with the rocker gaskets. The only problems I have had have been with the chrome nut studs both of which needed helecoiling every 150k or so on the Bimbo. Don't know what Bimbo2 is going to be like but judging by the bodges I've had to sort out on her, they'll probably have been over tightend at some time in her past and need doing at some point.

See, Thrang, you're the only one of us I know who can say things like " The only problems I have had have been with the chrome nut studs both of which needed helecoiling every 150k or so on the Bimbo."

I'm in awe, at least a little bit.  Even if you mean kilometers, not miles.  Good job.
Ed

You still have your chrome nuts, Ed?  I gave up on mine (the ones on the bike) a long time ago.



My stock nuts are not chrome.

[Ed Miller]

I think mine were chrome.  Now they're rusty.  Imagine that, on my bike!

[nothing]

I was told to use grease on the new gasket as a seal?  

Only use grease/oil on the engine side of the gasket. It acts not as a seal, but more as an adhesive - both to aid gasket placement in installation, and to keep the gasket in place upon removal. With grease on only the inboard side, the gasket stays neatly in place on the head, ready to be re-used again and again. With (by now hardened) grease on both sides, the gasket is destroyed upon removal.

The gasket itself is the only seal needed.  [smiley=beer.gif]