cylinder head cover gasket

hey all, i need a new gasket for my '85 xj700. i've got oil seepage all around the cover and can plainly see where gasket is cracked in places.

i realize that it's one of the easier jobs on a cycle, but still, i'm reluctant because i foresee bolt heads stripping, or worse, breaking off. i've sprayed a good coat of wd 40 to soak in overnight.

first, I could not splurge for the $70 genuine yamaha part. i bought an aftermarket for $37. will this be okay?

second, do i need gasket sealer? i have a haynes manual, but it doesn't address this. can anyone help with any tips/advice? thanks.

 

First off, you need the little spongy washers that go under all the bolts.
That's what applies the even tension to the valve cover.
Next trick is (after cleaning everything) to glue the gasket to the cover, and lightly grease the top surface of the head. Use anti-sieze on the bolts.

You'll want to check and shim your valves, of course. Buy a good feeler gauge set. Search topic - - valve shim

Good luck !

 

Some don't like using the gasket sealant but for me it always worked. I use permatex hi temp RTV. I clean the valve cover and apply a thin bead inside the sealing groove. I then set the gasket in place and using a board hold it in place. The board covers the entire gasket and is held in place with ratchet clamps normally used for woodworking. I let it set for about 15 minutes which allows the sealant to setup enough to hold the gasket in place while reinstalling the cover. I then torque wrench the bolts to 7.2 ftlbs. If you don't have a torque wrench then just snug them up hand tight. Over tightening is a good way to have a broken bolt. Let it sit overnight and you should have no leaks.