Left side cover question

Does it matter to use paper over metal gaskets on either the left or right sidecovers on an 82 XJ750?

I was working with Wirehairs, a local forum member on our mutual bikes when I noticed his metal gasket ('82 550 Seca) lines up apparently perfectly to my left side cover.

We were working on valve clearances, so this was the cover that goes over the crankshaft timing advance on the left of the engine block.

I'd like to switch to metal, since I wouldn't have to replace it every time I pull off my cover to check clearances.

Alternatively, couldn't I just use gasket maker? Maybe put a thin layer on the cover side, let it form and then cover w/silicone grease the engine side and mate the two?

 

Do you really need a gasket there? There's no oil. I think gasket maker would be fine, as would any option. I think mine didn't even have a gasket there when I got it, didn't realize it took one--that's off memory, though, I don't quite remember.

 

Parts list doesn't show a gasket on the right cover.

 

Fintip, I'll post some photos up in a bit....but mine was filthy.

I had spider nests, and lime scale...?!

It was a pain to get off. It took a few hours, beer and a rubber mallet to finally pry that sucker off.

 

Put grease or "Chapstick" on your new gasket and it should come off in 5,000 miles perfectly.

The other side is for drying herbs.

 

Well, the old gasket is broken in pieces. I'm going to have to scrape off the cover and engine block to make sure the surfaces mate up properly.
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Here are some pics of the timing / crankshaft components:

I don't even know how or why a spider would make a nest in there.

 

That gasket (on the 550s for sure, and I'm pretty sure all XJs) is supposed to be just paper. The metal gasket is for the alternator cover.

 

The on one Wirehairs' 550 Seca left side cover looked metal. Came off without a problem too. Prior to the second look, it didn't even seem that he had a gasket on there.

I flipped through the Haynes 650/750 Four manual and couldn't find any reference to the cover or the gasket - especially when checking clearances. It just says something to the effect of "make sure your cam lobes rotate in this direction". Like I said though, I flipped through it.