Valve Cover Gaskets

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swooshdave

swooshdave

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I was thinking about using the Rocky Point silicon gaskets. I remember someone mentioning (can't remember if it was here or not) about getting a silicone cooking mat at the dollar store and cutting out his own. I've been looking at the dollar store or any store for that matter and haven't found anything suitable.

http://www.rockypointcycle.com/Merchant ... y_Code=N10

But then I saw that Commando Specialties has a neoprene set. Both have similar characteristics (although I assume silicone has a higher temperature rating) in regards to oil resistance and sealing capabilities.

Valve Cover Gaskets

http://www.commandospecialties.com/Prod ... ProdID=135

Either way seems intriguing. Has anyone had experience with either?
 
I am using the ones from Stan at Rocky Point. Great product, zero oil leakage from valve covers.

Plus, I like Stan a lot, he has been a stand up guy to me on his Norton parts for many years.
 
I have the ones from Commando Specialties.
I maybe didn't tighten nuts down down enough so after 50-60 miles had a leak from one of the exhaust valve covers. Left foot getting a bath in oil.
Surprised how loose the nuts felt and tightened down more and then ok.
I just adjusted my valves last week and noticed they have crushed down pretty flat so now watching to see if still seal.
My concern is if over time they continue to yield to the nut pressure with the net result of the nut losing some tightness.
So far they work ok but I'd check the nut snuggness for a while.

Bob
 
I think the gaskets from Rocky Point are the same as from Real Gaskets...orange silicone. They work as advertised, trick is to not over tighten and ruin them. I have purchased from both of them.

Also, from Real Gaskets you can get a silicone gasket for the oil tank cap. Takes care of any mysterious oil leaks that happen when the cork gasket starts to wear out, it will stop the annoying film around the filler neck that happens over time.
 
highdesert said:
I am using the ones from Stan at Rocky Point. Great product, zero oil leakage from valve covers.

Plus, I like Stan a lot, he has been a stand up guy to me on his Norton parts for many years.
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Ditto. I sure would wish he'd get a damn phone number for his new place though. I need instant satisfaction and none of this waiting for e-mails stuff. :roll:
 
We have used the Black ones and they are not good at being re-used they get all wavy but the red ugly ones will be with you forever. We have also found that an inch pound wrench old style with a pointer will read the right for just an instant good enough with practice to get both nuts just right no crush and no leaks.
 
It's worth checking the rocker covers are not warped and the gasket surface is flat.
My Mk3 exhaust covers were warped from over tightening. Easy to lap them on a sheet of glass with some wet and dry.
graeme
 
It's worth checking the rocker covers are not warped and the gasket surface is flat.
My Mk3 exhaust covers were warped from over tightening. Easy to lap them on a sheet of glass with some wet and dry."

Absolutely right - this will usually cure leaking regardless of what sort of gaskets you like to use.
 
A local Norton guy told me that ordinary valve cover gaskets in an Andover gasket kit I had, covered with a smear of grease and torqued to 4psi would not leak. I did as told and in 2500 miles have had no leaks from my valve covers although I re-torque them from time to time.
 
northern750 said:
A local Norton guy told me that ordinary valve cover gaskets in an Andover gasket kit I had, covered with a smear of grease and torqued to 4psi would not leak. I did as told and in 2500 miles have had no leaks from my valve covers although I re-torque them from time to time.
Click to expand...

That's far too low tech of a solution for me. :mrgreen:
 
The standard felt gaskets are a bit oversize. They extend past the cover in the inside. This creates a dam for the oil to pool. Trimming to size will help eliminate rocker cover oil leaks.
 
I've only ever used standard gaskets....although as soon as they're disturbed, I use new ones, good practice. I've never had oil leaks anywhere after 200 miles racing in a weekend!
 
A good reed valve breather also helps. 2500km and no oil leaks. (second hand gaskets and still no leaks, or weeps)
sorry for mentioning this as I know it's like playing with a hand grenade on this site.

graeme
 
GRM 450 said:
A good reed valve breather also helps. 2500km and no oil leaks. (second hand gaskets and still no leaks, or weeps)
sorry for mentioning this as I know it's like playing with a hand grenade on this site.

graeme
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Ah, jeez, not another breather thread hijack! :mrgreen:
 
I cut new gaskets each time I take the covers off. Not too hard, and nice therapy after a day dealing with stuff. I coat them with Permatex 'Aviation Form-a-gasket' and let them air dry while I'm doing whatever it is I'm doing. Put them on when they're pretty dry, and no leaks.

I also notch the gasket on each side of the bottom locating pin, so oil can't pool in the bottom edge of the cover against the gasket, like JimC said.
 
swooshdave said:
...I remember someone mentioning (can't remember if it was here or not) about getting a silicone cooking mat at the dollar store and cutting out his own.
Click to expand...

That was me, see don-know-this-good-idea-t3752.html?hilit= idea

I made new ones from a smooth cookie sheet ($10) and I think it should be OK AND I hav a lot of material left to make other gaskets too.

Jean
 
Jeandr said:
swooshdave said:
...I remember someone mentioning (can't remember if it was here or not) about getting a silicone cooking mat at the dollar store and cutting out his own.
Click to expand...

That was me, see don-know-this-good-idea-t3752.html?hilit= idea

I made new ones from a smooth cookie sheet ($10) and I think it should be OK AND I hav a lot of material left to make other gaskets too.

Jean
Click to expand...

That's one of those cases where unless you catch the silicone mats on sale they are usually $10 and the ones from Rocky Point are $15-ish. The silicone is especially useful on the rocker covers as they can be reused every time you check your valve clearances. Which you check often, right?
 
Has any one thrown the gaskets away and just used sealer with any success??, concerned they might be a pig to get off.
 
I am glad this came back up, maybe we can get an update from Jean on how his cookie sheet gaskets are holding up. I wouldn't seal them on without gaskets. If nothing else the gasket gives you enough clearance to get a razor blade in there, otherwise I think you are right that they might be a "pig" to get off! It would be depressing to damage your covers to check valve clearances.

Russ
 
I am ashamed to say I still haven't ridden my bike further than around the block a few times so no long term update on anything. In my defence, I have done over 6,000 Km on my different bicycles which does take some time, learned to weld with some degree of success, built a motorcycle trailer, had to reroof the shed... I think I had more time when I had a job :wink:

So far with the few times I did start and run the bike, there are no leaks from the valve cover gaskets, but for the difference in price between what I did and the ready made ones, making your own comes down to how much of a cheapskate one is (I am a self proclaimed king :lol: )

Jean
 
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