Valve cover gasket

I'm leaking a little oil out of the valve cover in a few places. How do we feel about using (the proper temp rating) RTV silicone as a gasket? I've done it before on cars but I've never even had the valve cover off of this bike. Do I really need to purchase an actual gasket? Thanks guys.

-AM

 

me too i was told it was fine but i just let it leak since its only a few drops here or there especially sice a new one can run you anywere from 25 bucks to 50 bucks for a piece of rubber gaket........rediculous

 

If the valve cover gasket is in good condition (no breaks or torn bits around the perimeter) you can re-use the original.

So long as when you take the valve cover off you gently peel away the gasket as well. If it's factory original it may be easier to remove.

When I put my top end back together again I used some copper gasket sealant (tube variety) but I think the red and black RTV sealants are OK for this job.

There's a bit of a trick to it. When putting it back together (after cleaning all surfaces) I put a bead of the sealant in the groove in the valve cover and then insert the rubber gasket akll the way around. When this has set a little you can up end the cover without the gasket falling out. Also, a bead of the sealant on the flat part of the facing rubber gasket is required, all the way around, including the semi circular end bits. Then fit the valve cover/gasket assembly gently onto the head making sure it fits neatly and the semi circular end bit fit neatly into their spot on the head. Check all the way around and especially on the inner section near # 2 and #3 spark plugs to make sure it fits neatly - then gently screw down the retaining bolts.

This should work a treat - I did mine last year and not a smidgeon of oil has leaked out of that valve cover gasket. But be warned as you would well know, if it's not SEATED properly all the way around you will have what I had the first time I did this, and that is a wonderfully messy oily fountain emanating from a small area that was slightly not seated!

Let us know how you go - there may be a detailed post on the site by Rick Massey which goes into this step by step. Let us know how you go.

 

Bear in mind that the you're not mating two flat pieces of metal -- there's a groove running all the way around the inside of the valve cover. I don't think RTV by itself will do the trick.

THIS.

Actually, I didn't put any of the sealant on the flat part of the gasket -- I used a very thin film of motor oil.

 

I will have to agree on using the old gasket. If it's still in good shape like mine was. I used RTV silicone to re-mount the valve cover with good results. The sealant is only part of having good results. You need to know HOW to use them to get them to do the job.
RTV Silicone will make work on old gaskets, if they are still in good shape. Once every surface has been cleaned good, apply a nice even coat of sealant to one surface (usually on the gasket itself) and let it set for a few minutes. Then install the valve cover (in this case) and screw the bolts down only to snug it in place, now leave it sit for atleast 30 minutes. This will let the RTV set up and make a thick gasket. Then after it sets, you can go ahead and tighten all the bolts evenly.
I've used this method for several various engine cases with good results and it always works for me.
There is another sealant on the market that I have not tried yet, but it is said it works equally well. It's made by Permetex and is to be used with a spray hardener. You spray the hardener on the metal surface and apply a thin film of the sealant on the other surface (or the gasket) and mate the surfaces together, letting the hardener set. Then after a peiod of time (not sure how long) you tighten things down. It's suppose to be able to replace the gasket, but I'm not so sure about that part. I think if is used with a gasket, it you should have good results with it also. It's spendy, but people I talked to that used it, swear by it. PD

 

Hi temp RTV has been used by many XJ owners including myself. I do it just like Redcentre003 does and it works everytime. I always reuse the gasket if it is not torn or split. The trick about letting the RTV setup some before installing the cover is very important. It holds the gasket in place and it keeps it from slipping out when tightening the cover down. Makes the procedure much easier.

 

I have to confess...
I did get a new gasket, but it ended up being the wrong one. The guy on Ebay had it labeled with the wrong part number. That bites!
That's when I made the decision to use the RTV silicone instead of waiting for another gasket. After removing the valve cover and seeing what shape the gasket was in, there was no doubt I could get it sealed back on successfully.
I got a bit gun shy reading about having to replace the gasket everytime the cover is removed I guess. Now I have proved it to myself that it doesn't.
I do recommend a new gasket on a Harley however, they vibrate so bad, the RTV will vibrate and deteriorate right out of the motor!! My friend found that out the hard way and had a puddle on the floor after the first ride.

 

I am about to replace my gasket, and i did buy a new one for 30$, i was just wondering where i can find the info in tightening sequence for the valve cover (removing/replacing) and appopriate poundage for an XJ700???
Should it be in the club CD?

 

You oil the Mating Surfaces of BOTH the Gasket and the Head.

As the Gasket is tightened-down slowly ... the Oiled surfaces allow the Gasket to form a flat seal and not buckle-up where hot oil will force its way through.

As the Gasket is brought down to its Torque Spec ... the Gasket "Slides" into a perfect seal ... flattening-out and becoming completely Oil Tight.