Valve cover gasket replacement

i just received a valve cover gasket and didn't expect it to have a ridge . iI expected a flat side and a rounded side that fit into the cover. Before I get started I just wanted to know that the ridge is normal.

 

Both the OEM and aftermarket ones I've had did have ridges. 3, maybe? Anyway, neither side was smooth.

 

I misspoke I guess-- the "flat" side does have 3 very small ridges, it's the other side that has a single large ridge running down the center. I just didn't see that in the picture in the instruction thread . Anyway, thanks for the information.

 

Ya. The ridges help it to seal without sticking (as much).

 

That ridge fits in the groove around the bottom of the valve cover

 

Am I going to have issues removing the old one? Any glue to clean off? Acetone or alcohol wok?

 

I didn't have any issues with mine, I cleaned the surface off with a rag. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt if you wanted to clean the surface a little, but I didn't find it necessary. If someone went crazy with gasket sealant or something it might give you a hard time.

 

It's no different tha cleaning other things......its just a groove in the aluminum, and it's a pretty good sized groove.....easy to clean out--it's not a super-thin slot or anything. You'll figure it out easily enough, and unless you try going at it with chisels and hammers, you won't have any problems

 

Last summer mine hadn't been removed since 1990. I know because I'm the original owner. I had no problem peeling the old, hard gasket off the valve cover. I then used Hitack to put the new one on the valve cover. Easy enough

 

The valve cover gasket is covered late in the first post.
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/airhead-valve-adjustment-with-pics.14827/#post-122016

 

I saw Bigfitz post and since he used Hy-tack I thought I might be faced with having to remove old sealant. Thanks, I'll dive in as soon as my back gets better. Getting to old to play tennis without stretching. Pulled a muscle in my side and it hurts like h---!

 

What does your cover look like? Might be worth an overhaul (ok, a strip and re-paint!) while you have it off... I did mine when I did the gasket. She came to me with a petcock leak... thus the stripped paint.

Man if it doesn't just dress her up! Here's my before and after...

 

Nice job. Mine is fine, just a very small leak on the right side

 

I followed the Big Fitz post ALMOST to a "T." I couldn't bring myself to Boil it on the stove with lemon juice. Otherwise, I really think being aggressive with the acetone is important to getting it absolutely clean, before the Hi-Temp spray paint (rattle can...) was applied. Overall I'm extremely happy with the results. New Gasket and doughnut washers finished the job. It's been a year of riding now since it was done. Holding up great!