Maxim Valve Cover gasket

I'm gonna replace the valve cover gasket this weekend on a 1982 XJ650 maxim. I wanted to know if I have to take off any additional parts to get it off? Also can anyone give me a brand of addhesive to hold the gasket in place while trying to put the valve cover back on. Thanks

 

You don't really have to take off any other parts (it might be easier if you take off your horn and the manual recommends taking out your solenoid). Any tacky gasket sealer will work to hold the gasket in place while you put the gasket in place.

I just took my valvecover off and didn't think I would have to replace the bolts. They are sufficiently grungy, though, that I am going to replace them.

As long as you're taking the valvecover off, you might want to think about checking your valve clearances. Just my .02.

 

replace your donuts! those are what provide the sealing pressure on the gasket as the bolts have a stop collar on them.

i used permatek high tack gasket sealer spray. I sprayed teh whole valve cover, but not the gasket. put the gasket into place, let cure over night, then washed off excess gasket spray with xylene.

 

Ok thanks guys. I did buy the new donuts too.

 

I used high tack spray from autozone, as recommended by someone on here. Sprayed in cup, let cure a bit, used a paintbrush to put it on.

Didn't let it cure enough... gasket kept falling out. What a -----. Oh well, will do it right next time.

But yes, GET THE DONUTS. They are TERRIBLE to get on and off, but definitely worth it.

As mentioned, check your clearances while you are at it.

 

cut the gaskets off with a knife and some dikes... (wire cutting pliers)

put em back on with some silicone grease and a bunch of cursing. I just put the bolt head on my desk and pushed real hard wiv ma thumbs

 

Anyone have a certain way to tighten the cover back down?

 

start in the middle and work your way out from there
the torque is only 86.4 inch pounds (7.2 ft pounds)so beeeee carefull if your dont have a torque wrench
I like to tighten anything down in at least three steps that has a torque rating.
1-snug all bolts by hand
2-torque to half of rated torque
3-finish off at desired torque setting

 

My PO (previous owner) used some kind of gasket sealer on the valve cover gasket. That stuff made the gasket come off one molecule at a time.

It took me several hours with a razor blade to get that crunchy gasket off.

When I put it back together I used Elmers glue per Rickomatic's suggestion. Holds in place during reassembly and doesn't leak.

HTH.
Jim

edited for missing words.

 

Got the donuts on and you guys were'nt kidding on what a pain that would be. The four center ones were a breeze the other eight blow. I did mess on up alittle I'm putting permatex on it and see if it leaks. My gasket came off nicely no problems with that. I'm gonna paint it up tonight and put it back together tomorrow.

I did have to unbolt the tank and take off the horn much easier. Thanks again guys for your input.

 

Work those fasteners tight from the Inside ... Out.
Tighten them down a little bit at a time.

If you don't have a Torque Wrench ... use your Pinky Finger ONLY.
Put the Cover on tight enough to not leak.

But, remember this!
You'd rather have to take a Rag and wipe a seeping fastener and re-tighten it a DOZEN Times ... than, get past where you Break a fastener off or Strip it in there once.

 

Well I dont have a torque wrench, all I got is an allen wrench so I hope that will keep me from getting to crazy,lol. I might break down and go get an allen socket though. Thanks again

 

Got everything back together and took it for a 60 mile ride no more leaks. It even seem to runn better it must have been the new paint on the valve cover,lol.