Does this gasket need to be changed? (ST1100)

[PepperCrab]

Going to try doing my first valve clearance check and adjustment on the ST1100. There's a slight tapping sound on cold startup and I think they might need an adjustment.

The manual says to replace the gaskets on the cover over the nut that turns the crankshaft. Does this absolutely need to be replaced or can they be reused?

Thanks!

 

[vinny]

If the gasket is still intact and the environment inside the chamber where the crank nut is, then it probably ok to reuse it.

 

[George]

For valve check, no need to replace that "o" ring or even remove the cover. Put the bike in fifth gear and use the rear wheel to bump the motor around. Cam lobes pointing up is close enuff for this check, no need to have them in exact degree position unless you have to remove/replace them for an actual shim change. Do the check, if changes are needed is soon enuff to remove the cover.

I've done the check many times when no shim change was needed.

 

[Rossi]

+1 on what George said.

Bike in 5th gear, rotate the rear wheel, check position of cams. Repeat as necessary.

 

[PepperCrab]

Thanks for the tips everyone, very helpful.

George, did you replace the gasket every time as the manual called for, or were you able to reuse it?

 

[George]

Thanks for the tips everyone, very helpful.

George, did you replace the gasket every time as the manual called for, or were you able to reuse it?

Crab, I replaced that gasket one time (at the most recent timing belt) in nearly 200,000 miles. Both ReSTored (rip) and lipSTick are on their original.

 

[56canuck]

i am now re-installing the valve covers after the valve clearance check on my st 1300 and was wondering if any sealant is required on the gasket ?

 

[jvick98]

I have 135,000 miles and haven't used any sealant yet.

Jim

 

[BuddingGeezer]

i am now re-installing the valve covers after the valve clearance check on my st 1300 and was wondering if any sealant is required on the gasket ?

All motorcycle service manuals I have seen, Honda ST1100 included says to put a sealant on the cam plug corners (half moon shaped part of the valve cover gasket). I also put it on the spark plug tower gaskets. I use Yamabond (Yamaha dealer locally), there is a Hondabond and a Threebond all made by the same company and essentially the same stuff. Pricy, but I like it better than RTV.

 

[George]

Tip I got from John in Gilroy, which I think he got from Larry (IGoFar), soak yur valve cover gaskets in denatured alcohol to return them to soft 'n supple. Worked for me 'n Todd at the Garlic Tech a few weeks ago.

 

[nhdiesel]

General rule I (and most techs) use is to put a little dab of RTV (or Hondabond) in any sharp corner. You don't need a lot...just a tiny dab. The rubber can't always form into sharp corners. If the gaskets still feel pretty flexible, go ahead and reuse. When we did Mike's this weekend, his were starting to firm up, so I told him if they aren't too bad a price, go ahead and get a couple while he was getting the other parts he needed anyway.

I try to balance whether to replace with how difficult the gasket is to get to. Valve covers on an 1100 aren't bad to get to...so if you do notice a leak later on, they aren't hard to replace later. If it was a seal that takes 2 hours to access, I would ALWAYS put a new one in.