unnecessary extra work.I also run a very light film of sealant along the rest of the gasket.....
Yeah maybe....I'll still take the extra 30 seconds and smear a light film of sealant on the rest of the gasket. Had it apart twice now and so far so good.....unnecessary extra work.
If the gasket isn't sealing on its own, its quite likely it because the grommets under the valve cover bolts have compressed too far and the bolts can't provide enough clamping force to secure the gasket to its mating surface.
Here's a picture illustrating what Dave wrote in his post above.
ST 1300 "Half Moon" Valve Cover Gasket Detail
I mentioned earlier that I put a very thin bead of sealant around the whole gasket too, or at least most of it, but not for the purpose of sealing. I am confident the half moon applications are all that is necessary. I just do it to keep the danged gasket stuck to the valve cover, as it can tend to fall out, like around the spark plug holes, when you turn it over to attach it to the head. Just takes out some guesswork if all the bits are in proper position before bolting it down.unnecessary extra work.
If the gasket isn't sealing on its own, its quite likely it because the grommets under the valve cover bolts have compressed too far and the bolts can't provide enough clamping force to secure the gasket to its mating surface.
I do that too, but the reply I responded to was in regard to putting sealant on the surface of the gasket that contacts the head, not the top part that contacts the valve cover.I mentioned earlier that I put a very thin bead of sealant around the whole gasket too, or at least most of it, but not for the purpose of sealing. I am confident the half moon applications are all that is necessary. I just do it to keep the danged gasket stuck to the valve cover, as it can tend to fall out, like around the spark plug holes, when you turn it over to attach it to the head. Just takes out some guesswork if all the bits are in proper position before bolting it down.
I looked to see where Honda put the sealant when they originally assembled the engine, and then put sealant only where I had found it upon disassembly....just a dab in the corners is all that's needed.
Right! Thanks for clarifying that for me. I had thought Kevcules was doing the same as you and I.I do that too, but the reply I responded to was in regard to putting sealant on the surface of the gasket that contacts the head, not the top part that contacts the valve cover.
Tech events are very helpful and a learning experience.Here's a middle of the road alternative: Make a careful record of what valves need a shim change, then, bring the bike to a "tech event" in your region sometime this summer. You can get hands-on help changing the shims there, and that will give you the confidence to change shims by yourself in the future if changes are needed.
Plus, you'll have fun and probably eat well at the tech event.
Michael