Gaskets and camshaft end seals

Do you guys put any sealant on the rubber camshaft seals and do you apply anything to head gaskets and valve cover gaskets?

I always install the valve cover gasket dry and I put a little Hondabond-4 (Threebond stuff) on the curved section of the cam end plugs. In 37 years I've never had a valve cover leak, and I can re-use the valve cover gasket many times since it is not stuck to anything. Ed

Just like Ed said. Hondabond #4 or Yamabond #4, whatever is easier to get, just on the curved section mostly, but I also put a little on top extending out slightly onto the engine. This seals any irregularity and also holds the gasket in place nicely, so next time off with the cover, just make sure the gasket stays fully on the engine side and the gasket can be reused forever.

You've had better luck than I have with them. If there is a rubber gasket at double the price, I'd buy it. I do the same and try to use new gaskets budget allowing.
Steve

I've actually even reused valve cover gaskets after breaking them when removing the cover. A little Yamabond #4 at the break, seals up just fine.

Pisses me off when that happens. Adjusting the valves being careful and one slip, BREAK. You could hear me in Indio.
Steve

Is silica Sand ok to use to blast the outside of my head and jugs?

Silica sand dust is reputed to be damaging to your health. When blasting with that stuff you are supposed to have a full hood with a clean fresh air supply. www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/92-102/
Using soda works well and is less risky to both you and the engine.

Regarding Hondabond or Yamabond, I'd rather use Kawabond. All made by Threebond of course. 1194/1184 or 1207B all work perfectly.

Some people advocate greasing the gasket before install. Keeps it from sticking. Personally, I stick to OEM Kawasaki gaskets. Many aftermarket gaskets are crap and either won't fit properly or may fall apart prematurely.

The blast cabinet has a vacuum with a filter that sucks the dust from the cabinet to the filter. Is silica to abrasive? The cabinet has internal gloves so there is no airborne dust in the room it is all inside the cabinet or the vacuum

I never replace said plugs and gasket without using "Permatex Ultra Black Sealant" Have never had an issue, and why would I want a 40 year old gasket on my bike in such a critical area... If I pull the cam cover a new gasket goes in place when re-assembling.......Your mileage may vary...
EZ

Is the silica too abrasive for gasket surfaces? I do t think it is.

Gasket surfaces are machined. I would not blast them with anything. Ed