Gasket Sealant ?

About ready to install 3 gaskets on three external engine components. Ignition/Points housing, Points cover, and Cam Chain tensioner. Do these gaskets need any gasket sealant? I don't see in the FSM that it makes any reference to it?

From what I have read, no. Only when the manual specifically states to do so. I believe it is only on about 2-3 gaskets.

That's kind of what I thought. I ran thru FSM repeatedly and couldn't see it. Thank you.

Intake Manifolds, I have some RTV Red Hi-Temp sealant. Should be okay to use that?

Yup most the gaskets should be perfectly dry when you put them back together with the exception of the area where the engine cases join. I think the manual suggests a non-hardening sealant in just the area near the case split that's on the 650/750's anyway maybe not on the 1000's. A little sealant is oaky to keep the intake ports from leaking.

You can get a spray treatment for paper gaskets that makes them kind of sticky, it similar to what the factory used on OEM gaskets but I have never tired the stuff.

+1 Put them on dry - NO sealant. Ed

The carb holders are designed for fitment and function without any sealant.

Sealant may be applied as a temporary remedy toward preventing air leak through an old worn out carb holder, but is usually short-lived due to sealant being either fuel-resistant or heat-resistant, but not both. Some owners report better results when using a non-silicone based Three-Bond product to help seal air leaks.

Carb holders such as these should be replaced -- not sealed.



Good Fortune!

There is something about the points housing, it either gets sealant or is it the bolts get lock tight? Don't have my manual right now or I would take a look.

Permatex High Tack Gasket Sealant. Gas resistant and temp. up to 500 degree F . Might be an option to use on the intake manifolds to provide a better seal.

kzdcw wrote: Permatex High Tack Gasket Sealant. Gas resistant and temp. up to 500 degree F . Might be an option to use on the intake manifolds to provide a better seal.

Not for long. Replacement is the only really good option. Ed

650ed wrote:

kzdcw wrote: Permatex High Tack Gasket Sealant. Gas resistant and temp. up to 500 degree F . Might be an option to use on the intake manifolds to provide a better seal.

Not for long. Replacement is the only really good option. Ed

+ elevendy billion! I tried sealant on them, even cut some paper gaskets for them after two kinds of sealant failed. The paper gaskets held for a few decent trips and then back to leaking. But it was enough to let me know I definitely had vacuum leaks under the holders. The new ones have a raised ring that compresses to make a nice seal. $70 for the set but WELL worth it! I'm thinking of buying another set to keep squirreled away in case I ever get as old as Ed and still have the bike.

Eventually the holders will all be gone and there will be many of these bikes still on the road. Another option must eventually be found, but for now.....buy new ones!

www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...&item=IMK16065-028-K

Go ahead and spend another $70 and get these also...

www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...00&item=14073-1022-K

Apart form a case split I wouldn't use any sealant. Original factory gaskets assembled correctly over 30 years ago stick really well - sometimes a bit too well when cleaning up mating faces.

The only place I might use sealant is sparingly on the base gasket of a 550/650/750 only by the oil feed nozzles cutouts as I'm using thicker or stacked gaskets here to reduce CR. I'm still in two minds here too on this, opinions welcome.

Patton wrote: The carb holders are designed for fitment and function without any sealant.

Sealant may be applied as a temporary remedy toward preventing air leak through an old worn out carb holder, but is usually short-lived due to sealant being either fuel-resistant or heat-resistant, but not both. Some owners report better results when using a non-silicone based Three-Bond product to help seal air leaks.

Carb holders such as these should be replaced -- not sealed.

Good Fortune!

Most factory installed carb boots Ive seen had a little bit of some form of 3 bond on them.