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Author Topic: Fitting valve cover gaskets  (Read 452 times)
Knapdog
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Posts: 360


South Wales, UK


« on: February 11, 2026, 06:20:55 AM »

I've just checked the valve clearances.  They were all a bit tight.
I've purchased two new gaskets.
What's the procedure for fitting these?
On a AI search it said to just put gasket sealant on the corners/half moons of the cylinder head.  Huh?
Whenever I've fitted gaskets in the past I've always put gaskets sealant thinly the cylinder head side so the gaskets sticks and a thin coating of grease on the cover side so that I can always easily remove the cover.
Any thoughts?
« Last Edit: February 11, 2026, 08:53:47 AM by Knapdog » Logged

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'98 Honda Valkyrie Tourer⁸
'96 Honda C90
'83 Honda C90C
sandy
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Posts: 5462


Mesa, AZ.


« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2026, 08:52:34 AM »

I suspect you mean valve cover gaskets, not cylinder head. After 3 valks and helping others, I’ve never put a sealer on the gaskets. But it probably wouldn’t hurt.
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Knapdog
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Posts: 360


South Wales, UK


« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2026, 08:55:20 AM »

I suspect you mean valve cover gaskets, not cylinder head. After 3 valks and helping others, I’ve never put a sealer on the gaskets. But it probably wouldn’t hurt.

Thanks for that, plus, thread title amended.
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'98 Honda Valkyrie Tourer⁸
'96 Honda C90
'83 Honda C90C
Chrisj CMA
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Posts: 14931


Crestview (Panhandle) Florida


« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2026, 12:12:48 PM »

No sealant other than on those corner landings. I will say if ALL the tappets seemed a little tight that is suspicious. Before adjusting them I would recommend double checking you are using the right gauge 6 or 9 thousands and your technique is sound. I’ve never needed to tweak more than 3 or 4. Also if a large adjustment is needed, that is suspect also. Make sure you’re on the “right” TDC
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Knapdog
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Posts: 360


South Wales, UK


« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2026, 01:02:38 AM »

No sealant other than on those corner landings. I will say if ALL the tappets seemed a little tight that is suspicious. Before adjusting them I would recommend double checking you are using the right gauge 6 or 9 thousands and your technique is sound. I’ve never needed to tweak more than 3 or 4. Also if a large adjustment is needed, that is suspect also. Make sure you’re on the “right” TDC

Thanks.
Correct feelers used and on the Compression stroke.. They just needed a slight adjusting. Remember I've only just had this bike back after selling it a year ago and it didn't do much mileage in that year. When I had it I changed the oil far more than I needed to.The gaps are spot on now but I'll recheck after 1,000 miles.
« Last Edit: February 13, 2026, 08:26:25 AM by Knapdog » Logged

Stay between the hedges!

'98 Honda Valkyrie Tourer⁸
'96 Honda C90
'83 Honda C90C
Knapdog
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Posts: 360


South Wales, UK


« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2026, 08:33:13 AM »


Regarding the new gaskets, which should be in the dealership tomorrow, I've just noticed that they're made of rubber.
I've nearly always dealt with Cork gaskets, which is why I asked about gasket sealant along the edge. If I'd known sooner I probably wouldn't have ordered new ones and just cleaned up the existing ones.
Ah well, learning every day.
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'98 Honda Valkyrie Tourer⁸
'96 Honda C90
'83 Honda C90C
Hook#3287
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Posts: 6880


Brimfield, Ma


« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2026, 05:19:34 AM »


Regarding the new gaskets, which should be in the dealership tomorrow, I've just noticed that they're made of rubber.
I've nearly always dealt with Cork gaskets, which is why I asked about gasket sealant along the edge. If I'd known sooner I probably wouldn't have ordered new ones and just cleaned up the existing ones.
Ah well, learning every day.
Yeah, learned that lesson over 24 years ago   Wink

Bought a new set of valve cover gaskets prior to my first valve clearance check.

Still got em in the parts bin, just in case  Roll Eyes
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