timing cover bolt

[fast black]

When replacing the timing belt cover it says in the honda service manual  to put sealant on one bolt.  Why does that bolt need sealant?   When I replaced the belts I ran the bike without the cover on to see how it sounded and  then double checked all my torque settings and not fluids ran out  or seeped out of any bolt holes so why does this bolt require sealant?
thanks
fast black

[Larry]

Some engines connect to an oil passage or something, that's what I seem to remember reading. Not all engines are the same is my understanding. My engine does  not have a problem either. Better to put sealant on it than having a bit of oil on those belts or messing up the timing pulse pickups or what ever their called.

[Patrick]

That particular bolt hole[ top right of center as facing the engine] sometimes gets a little too close to a cooling jacket and some engines will show a bit of a leak at that point.. If yours doesn't,, thats good..

[Chrisj CMA]

Someone shot down my theory on this, but Im sticking to it because its true on my bike.

I feel the writers of the HONDA book identified the wrong bolt that should be sealed.  I have to seal inboard bolt on the throttle side belt tensioner or else it leaks because it does go into the crank case.

Just a communication error could have easily led to mismarking this.

BTW:   WHEN REMOVONG THE TIMING COVER (especially for the first time) RUN THE MOTOR TO OPERATING TEMP AND WHEN COOL ENOUGH TO GET IN THERE THEN LOOSEN THAT ONE BOLT THAT TENDS TO HAVE UNECESSARY SEALANT ON IT.  Less chance of breaking it off that way

[fast black]

Hmm, as I recall when I removed said bolt the  first time there was not any sealant that I noticed either.  Well, one of lifes mysterys.  My theeory is that it is a typo in manual  I really appreciate the feedback,
adios
fast black. 

[Larry]

That particular bolt hole[ top right of center as facing the engine] sometimes gets a little too close to a cooling jacket and some engines will show a bit of a leak at that point.. If yours doesn't,, thats good..

That makes more sense than oil?! ???

[Patrick]

I've heard of coolant on the cover bolt and oil on the tensioner bolt.. I haven't experienced either.. There must be an intermittent problem with the location and depth of those holes..

[Hogdaddy]

When replacing the sealant on the bolt what is the best to use just some RTV? And just put on the bolt and screw it in? Thanks

[Hogdaddy]

HELP Should I put sealant on bolt? If so what kind. Thanks

[Ratdog]

When replacing the sealant on the bolt what is the best to use just some RTV? And just put on the bolt and screw it in? Thanks

That's what I did, about 40,000 miles ago.

[Hogdaddy]

Thanks