need help on valve cover gasket change

I have a 1985 maxim 700 the valve cover gasket is leaking i bought a new gasket but im not sure about a few things and i dont want to mess anything up if someone has some advice id appreciate it

 

Is it a paper gasket or rubber. If it's a rubber gasket you need to replace the rubber doughnuts on the bolts. It's the pressure of the doughnuts that seal the gasket.

 

Its rubber

 

Check out the first page of air head valve adjustment in the how to section done by Bigfits.

 

Will do thanks

 

use lots of RVT and take your time
also make sure you have new grommet seals
otherwise you are wasting your time

 

DON'T use a lot of rtv......clean the cover and clean the top of the head very well, go over the mating surface with brake cleaner or other fast drying de-greaser. Let it dry to bone dry.

-using a VERY fine file and/or VERY fine wet/dry sandpaper, check the lip edge of the half-moons. I've seen many that have a very sharp burr right at lip before it drops in to the half-moon. If there is a burr present, it will cut into the gasket and cause premature failure there. Use the above and just de-burr the 4 lips if needed.

-Put a thin bead of elmers glue in the valve cover groove to hold the gasket in place.

-if you feel RTV is necessary, run a very thin bead around the mating surface. Let it 'skin' and install as normal.

-using new valve cover bolt donuts should eliminate the need for RTV, though............

Dave Fox

 

When you have the valve cover off you should check the record the valve shim clearance.

 

Yea.... If your gasket is leaking... You are past due for clearances

 

Thanks for advice