gasket re-use was: v-v-v-v-v-vibration
Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2001 4:19 pm
I have an old an trusty technique to aid in reusing gaskets over and over and over and.... I apply RTV gasket sealer to one part and let it cure for about an hour. After that I apply the RTV to the other part and assemble with the gasket. I use a very thin film of the RTV that I spread on with my finger. What happens is that when I go to take it apart the next time, the gasket tends to stick to the part that I put the RTV on last. I just clean off the old RTV from all surfaces and I'm ready to go again. I use my thumbnail for cleaning the gasket. The RTV also helps insure everything seals up nice. I have gotten numerous uses on many gaskets with this technique. Obviously (at least hopefully it's obvious) I would NEVER advocate this for a head gasket; always replace them. I also don't advocate it for very hard to get to gaskets like cylinder base gaskets. This is great for side cover gaskets. In all the years I've been reusing gaskets, the worst that has happened to me is VERY MINOR seepage (no drips, just an area about the size of a quarter where the dirt would get moist) after about the eighth shot. That's my notice that it's time to spring for a new one. Them side cover gaskets are kind of expensive, last time I checked. Steve A.> > Being that this is a new bike, should I be able to re-use the outer > > (and possibly inner) engine cover gaskets? The one I've pulled looks > > fine. Do they need a sealant of some sort? > > > They both should be fine. If they're intact you don't need sealant.