I am confused over one of the manuals instructions

[Theo]

Okay so I'm about to put the clutch cover on the engine when I noticed this direction in my clymer manual:

"Before installing the right engine cover gasket, apply a 2 in. wide film of Bond No. 4 sealant or equivalent over the crankcase seam as shown in Figure 38".

So I looked at the figure and then the engine and I noticed a horizontal seam. So do I put gasket sealant just on the gasket mating surface, or should it go inside, or on the outside as well? Just a little confused. What is Bond no. 4? Is that the same as RTV silicone? Thanks.
-Theo

[Nessism]

Go to Basscliff's web site and download the factory service manual for your bike. Clymer is full of it.

Regarding the gasket, you can just install it dry. If you want an extra measure of leak protection, at the expense of not being able to reuse the gasket in the future, use an extremely thin coat of sealer on the gasket. It should be so think you can't even really see it. RTV is fine as long as it's the Ultra Silicone stuff. That manual is refering to Threebond #4, which is sold under the Suzukibond, Yamabond, Hondabond, etc. name. It's good stuff and a must have for every shop - check Z1 Enterprises for the modern number equivalent - 1194 I think.

[Guest]

Any chance of reusing the gasket after using crank case sealer will be nill.
Do as Ed says. Dry or a very thin coat of Silicone. I'd go with Permatex black.

[Theo]

Thanks but that's not exactly what I'm asking. I have a new gasket so I'm not worried about that. I'm just a little confused on the directions; it says the same thing in the suzuki service manual. It says to put suzuki bond on the mating surfaces of the crankcase and then points to where the upper and bottom half of the crankcase meets. I'm just not sure if this is supposed to go on the inside of the clutch housing or on the gasket mating surface. I hope that doesn't sound too confusing. Thanks.
-Theo

[Guest]

I understood.

Don't use sealer on the crank case seams.

[Theo]

I understood.

Don't use sealer on the crank case seams.

Oh my bad. Okay now I read you loud and clear. Thanks to both of you.
-Theo