Rocker cover fitting

Ron1000 · 15-02-2021, 09:07 AM

Hi guy’s,
General question; when re-fitting a rocker cover to an engine do you guys use any sort of sealant on bond as well as a new gasket. Or just the new gasket?

It’s actually for my R6 track bike (naughty on a monster forum) I tried to re-use the old gasket after doing my valves and it’s leaking from front left hand side. So going to get a new gasket but was just wondering about the sealant / bond.

Thanks again troops.

Mr Gazza · 15-02-2021, 09:23 AM

If you use sealant you will probably tear the gasket every time you take the cover off, which will need some kind of moderate force to separate and might eventually damage the cover itself.

I've always used my gaskets dry and they've never leaked, I've never replaced the gaskets either.
You can use a smear of oil or grease to stop them sticking depending on what type of gaskets you use.

jerry · 15-02-2021, 09:24 AM

I run a tad of wellseal round the gasket

Ron1000 · 15-02-2021, 09:40 AM

The gasket is very thick rubber and relatively sturdy as is the rocker/valve cover. Once it’s on and not leaking it would really only come back off for some sort of unforeseen mechanical issue, so not overly worried about on/off/on access type thing

Flip · 15-02-2021, 02:33 PM

Was going to say- I thought they are the reusable formed rubber type on those.

On all the FZR/YZF (along with Honda CBR’s) I’ve been into for valve shimming I have never encountered any issues reusing those type gaskets unless they have perished through age. When refitting I tend give them a light coating of Silicone grease, same as I use for things like side panel grommets as well it’s it proper use on electrical connections.

Darren69 · 15-02-2021, 02:56 PM

If it's a rubber o ring type or square section rubber then smear liberally with red grease or engine oil which has nearly always worked for me. If it is stretched a bit it may be bunching up or pinching when you tighten it down in which case you may need a new one.

Ron1000 · 15-02-2021, 05:22 PM

Manual says to apply threebond 1215 to the mating surface. I’ll get some on order, I’ll hold off the gasket order until I take it off and have a look.

Thanks troops. Best forum as per usual

slob · 15-02-2021, 06:55 PM

Even on rubber rocker gaskets that seal themselves OK you often need a smear of RTV sealant under the ‘half moons’ at the cam ends.

Ron1000 · 16-02-2021, 08:15 AM

Good post slob. I think it is one of the half moons that’s leaking.

jerry · 16-02-2021, 06:28 PM

all tmany times he ones I wellseal always are nice and reusable but a bit of grease would be as good

15-02-2021, 09:07 AM	#1
Ron1000 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Livingston Bike: M1100evo Posts: 863	Rocker cover fitting Hi guy’s, General question; when re-fitting a rocker cover to an engine do you guys use any sort of sealant on bond as well as a new gasket. Or just the new gasket? It’s actually for my R6 track bike (naughty on a monster forum) I tried to re-use the old gasket after doing my valves and it’s leaking from front left hand side. So going to get a new gasket but was just wondering about the sealant / bond. Thanks again troops.

15-02-2021, 09:23 AM	#2
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,815	If you use sealant you will probably tear the gasket every time you take the cover off, which will need some kind of moderate force to separate and might eventually damage the cover itself. I've always used my gaskets dry and they've never leaked, I've never replaced the gaskets either. You can use a smear of oil or grease to stop them sticking depending on what type of gaskets you use. __________________

15-02-2021, 09:24 AM	#3
jerry Old Git Join Date: May 2006 Location: Cricklade Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 2,822	I run a tad of wellseal round the gasket __________________ MONSTERMAN

15-02-2021, 02:33 PM	#5
Flip Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Beachtown Bike: M900 Posts: 2,188	Was going to say- I thought they are the reusable formed rubber type on those. On all the FZR/YZF (along with Honda CBR’s) I’ve been into for valve shimming I have never encountered any issues reusing those type gaskets unless they have perished through age. When refitting I tend give them a light coating of Silicone grease, same as I use for things like side panel grommets as well it’s it proper use on electrical connections. __________________ You're perfect, yes, it's true- But without me you're only you!

15-02-2021, 02:56 PM	#6
Darren69 Transmaniacon MOC Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sutton In Ashfield Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 6,023	If it's a rubber o ring type or square section rubber then smear liberally with red grease or engine oil which has nearly always worked for me. If it is stretched a bit it may be bunching up or pinching when you tighten it down in which case you may need a new one. __________________ Roast Beef Monster! Termignoni and Bucci - Italian for pipe and slippers! S4 Fogarty, S4R 07T, 748, Series 1 Mirage

15-02-2021, 09:40 AM	#4
Ron1000 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Livingston Bike: M1100evo Posts: 863	The gasket is very thick rubber and relatively sturdy as is the rocker/valve cover. Once it’s on and not leaking it would really only come back off for some sort of unforeseen mechanical issue, so not overly worried about on/off/on access type thing

15-02-2021, 05:22 PM	#7
Ron1000 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Livingston Bike: M1100evo Posts: 863	Manual says to apply threebond 1215 to the mating surface. I’ll get some on order, I’ll hold off the gasket order until I take it off and have a look. Thanks troops. Best forum as per usual

15-02-2021, 06:55 PM	#8
slob . Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: East London Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 9,712	Even on rubber rocker gaskets that seal themselves OK you often need a smear of RTV sealant under the ‘half moons’ at the cam ends.

16-02-2021, 08:15 AM	#9
Ron1000 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Livingston Bike: M1100evo Posts: 863	Good post slob. I think it is one of the half moons that’s leaking.

16-02-2021, 06:28 PM	#10
jerry Old Git Join Date: May 2006 Location: Cricklade Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 2,822	all tmany times he ones I wellseal always are nice and reusable but a bit of grease would be as good __________________ MONSTERMAN