Cam Cover gasket sealer???

[Redman]

Any recommendation for what (if any) gasket sealer to use on the cam cover gasket?

I have cam cover off, and have a new replacement stock gasket.

[ericox]

i generally dont use any sealant...if i did, probably the black tacky stuff (cant remember the name) around the bolt holes.

[chuckycheese]

ultra grey

I think Permatex Ultra Grey is really good stuff and it only takes a very thin coat to do wonders. Having said that, I don't think you'll need it for that application; it shouldn't leak.

[ccs]

I'm getting ready to check my valve clearances also. I've found a valve shim tool on eBay (About $23 with S&H). But they guy says I also need a new gasket ($21 for 2 -- wants to sell me a pair of them) and that I also need to replace the cam end plugs (another $20 -- wants to sell me a pack of 10).

I've got a tube of the Permatex ULTRA GREY sensor-safe RTV silicone gasket maker and am wondering if this would work OK?

and... do I need to replace the cam end plugs? (There's not really any pressure under this cover is there?)

Any advice?

TIA.

Charles...

[Redman]

Charles,
See this for discussion of shim tool

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=94744&highlight=shim+tool

I ended up getting one from Dennis Kirk for $18 and it works.

Also about end plugs. They are suppose to be soft rubber, if they seem like hard plastic they are likley to leak when you reassemble.

[Jethro]

The Suzuki manual for my 1100E (not Haynes, not Clymer, but the Suzuki Factory Shop Manual) says to use a very thin layer of silicone sealant on a perfectly clean surface, and to coat both the head surface and the cover surface before installation of the gasket.

I have used the Permatex Grey RTV with great success. If the surfaces are clean and you put on a super, super thin layer it really helps on all levels. Let it skin about 5 minutes. No leaks ever, it holds the gasket during assembly and when you need to get back in there, if you have done it right, the sealant comes off all in one peice- clean as a whistle.

[Redman]

So recomendations for cam cover gasket so far are no sealer or lightly use Permatex Grey.

I used none on my GS850 a couple years a go, and now it doesnt really leak, doesnt dribble or run out, but does make a black smudge line along the gasket in a few months time. So now that I have the cover off the 1100 I am thinking maybe I should use a little of something, but dont want to make it hard to remove on any further occassion. How about a thin light application (rub on with finger) of blue RTV silicon? I have that, but willing to get whatever would be better.

Okay, Jethro, now I see your post. The grey Permatex seems like a good option.

[rustybronco]

on mine i used indian head gasket cement on a FEW spots to hold it in place (must let it tack up first) and a LIGHT smearing of gray silicone on the cam end seals (the top also) works great and very little scraping the next time.
you can put it on dry also just be careful putting in the bolts.

yep i get the oil line at the parting surfaces i just go back and retorque it later.