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Using RTV Gasket Maker For Valve Cover

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by bunglejyme, Oct 7, 2014.

?

Is an RTV gasket maker okay to use under valve cover?

  1. yes

    1 vote(s)
    100.0%

  2. fine

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. bunglejyme

    bunglejyme Member

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    I need to replace the valve cover gasket on my 1981 XJ650 and do not wish to spend the money on an OEM style gasket. My desire is to use an RTV gasket maker. Has anyone out there done this and if so how did it work out for you? Also, I welcome any advice (pros and cons) regarding this type of product.
     
    bunglejyme, Oct 7, 2014
    #1
  2. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    You could also buy a roll of gasket paper and cut a new gasket. Oil the cover; press the gasket paper to it; cut it out.

    Didn't we just have this conversation? I know I gave a different answer there, but still....

    Your poll seems to be biased.
     
    k-moe, Oct 7, 2014
    #2
    Stumplifter likes this.
  3. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    is it OK, sure, will it leak, sure. when you tighten the bolts with the rubber donuts they compress and squeeze the gasket. now there is no gasket so the donuts don't compress and leak all over, then since the cover isn't really tight enough it starts leaking all around.
    you can get 3/32 cork/rubber sheets and cut one from that but it's about 20$
     
    Polock, Oct 7, 2014
    #3
  4. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    He has an '81 650. It uses a conventional paper gasket and has no donuts.
     
    k-moe, Oct 7, 2014
    #4
  5. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    well damm, he should get a cereal box and cut a gasket then. but don't use permatex #2, you'll hate yourself when it's time to take it off
     
    Polock, Oct 7, 2014
    #5
    rocs82650 likes this.
  6. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Actually it uses this really heavy, thick, reinforced gasket that isn't easily duplicated with a single layer of anything from proper gasket paper to a cereal box.

    My answer in this thread is the same as I provided in the other: replace the gasket with the correct one.
     
    bigfitz52, Oct 8, 2014
    #6
  7. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    Never underestimate a Wheaties box, Fitz.:)
     
    Polock, Oct 8, 2014
    #7
  8. XJOE550

    XJOE550 Active Member

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    How about using or old one if it's still in one piece? Just wipe off all the oil and grease and spray both sides with copper gasket spray or HiTack. Not much to loose by trying. Aside from the cost of the gasket spray which is handy to have anyway. Did that on one of my bikes just for kicks, already had purchased a new gasket. Old is still in there.
     
    XJOE550, Oct 8, 2014
    #8
  9. schmuckaholic

    schmuckaholic Well-Known Member

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    I seem to remember reading a post from RickCoMatic years back that essentially advocated the same thing. Haven't done that myself, because the 750's valve cover has a little groove running around the edge that a rib on the rubber gasket sits in.

    Last time I was in there, I just replaced the gasket.
     
    schmuckaholic, Oct 8, 2014
    #9
  10. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Permatex #2 cleans up easily with a cloth rag soaked in carb cleaner. It's been my go-to sealant for applications where there was no gasket originally, and resurfacing the mating parts is not economically viable.
     
    k-moe, Oct 8, 2014
    #10

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