Permatex 'Gasket Maker' and similar: Any experience?

[Planecrazy]

Form-A-Gasket never let me down

Hi,

I've used Form-A-Gasket many times in the past on auto valve covers without any problems. Used it on my '80 GS550L two years ago and not a drop of oil has leaked ... of course I haven't had a chance to test that repair because the ignition system bit the big one and the bike hasn't run since!

Anyway, I'm about to install a Dyna S ignition to replace a bad igniter (as well as the stock signal generator). Hopefully the result will be a Labor Day ride -- I'll let you know if the gasket holds but I am 100% confident that it will be fine.

Good luck with yours!

Sept. 3 Update -- Well, I managed to get my GS550L started on Labor Day but due to a bad battery or charging system problem it doesn't want to keep running. I was able to run it long enough to determine that the Form-A-Gasket repair worked just fine though. Now I'll charge up the battery and then do a proper test of the entire charging system. I'm gonna ride this puppy before the season ends!! 8)

[Anonymous]

RTV

Sounds like you have it whipped already, but for others who may follow...

The trick to sucess with RTV is surface prep. You MUST completely clean all traces of old gasket, gasket adhesive (gorilla snot), corrosion, dirt, oil, etc... off the mating surfaces. The best tool for the job is a 90 degree die grinder with a scotchbrite pad on it. BE CAREFUL on aluminum, though...it'll eat a lot faster than you think and you'll gouge the mating surface if you aren't careful. Just barely brush it once the old gasket is off. If you have a nice surface plate or another very flat surface, true up the cam cover while you are there (true up the head side if you have it off and it is disassembled).

Don't use too much RTV as it will come off inside the engine, as others have cautioned. Don't put a wrench on the bolts for 24hrs, either. THAT'S what the cure time means. You run the bolts down evenly, in a criss-cross pattern like a head gasket, but only finger tight. You let everything set up 24hrs and THEN torque the bolts to specs, otherwise you squeeze out all the RTV and it leaks.

[AOD]

good news Dave, glad it worked out for you. enjoy the road! and ride safe!

~Adam