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can you use silicone gasket instead of the oem gasket on valve cover?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ScreamingLiL2stroke
  • Start date Start date
S

ScreamingLiL2stroke

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I had to remove my valve cover today to install the lil chrome end pieces sadly the gasket ripped in one spot my question is can you use silicone gasket instead of the oem gasket on valve cover?
 
No, you must have a gasket.

In your predicament I might use a VERY SMALL amount of silicone sealer to attempt to repair the old gasket. It might at least hold until you can order a new one. Don't use a coating thicker than you can see through -- you don't want silicone globs loose inside your engine.

Does http://www.realgaskets.com make a gasket for your valve cover? These things are The Answer for valve covers.
 
I've never had one off yet, are they (the gaskets) supposed to be re-usable? Same for side covers too?
 
I had "crack" in my CHead gasket (squirting oil on to plugs 1&2) that I used some of that gasket in a tube stuff to seal until the gasket got replaced. It worked but there again I did not push the motor too hard.
So as a temp repair ok but long term I don't think so.
 
Ill just wait untill i can order a new gasket i dont wanna run the risk of it leaking oil its just not worth it.
 
You can re-use an OEM valve cover gasket a couple of times if it's of fairly recent vintage. Just coat it with light grease or oil before installing, and it'll come right off the next time you need to check the valve clearances.

An original gasket, or an ancient gasket that sticks, requires replacement.

A Real Gasket silicone valve cover gasket can be washed with dish soap and water, patted dry, and re-used forever. Make sure you get the breather cover gasket, too.
 
I'm a little confused ... why would you remove the valve cover gasket to replace the chrome end pieces? They just unscrew and pop off (which is why they often get lost ... we forget to snug up the screws regularly). Am I misunderstanding what it is you replaced?

Now, regarding the valve cover gaskets, in general the best solution is to use new gaskets. Having said that, a number of Chicagoland GS'rs are using "Realgaskets" (silicone) and have been extremely happy with their performance. If you go this route you have to be VERY careful not to overtighten the bolts or the gaskets won't work properly.

Also, regarding "Form-a-gasket" or (gasket in a tube) as Plasterdog called it, I have used this sort of silicone gasket material very successfully on my GS550 and gone years without any problems. The key is to properly apply it. You want to use it VERY sparingly (so it doesn't "ooze" into the engine before hardening) and only gently tighten the valve cover bolts "finger snug." After twenty four hours go back and retighten slightly for a good reliable seal. This works nicely if you take your time and do it right.

Some people have argued that you'll get silicone in the engine and clog it up. I've NEVER heard of this happening when the product was used properly. Frankly I think it's hogwash invented by people who know nothing about silicone products ... once the product cures it's NOT going to peel or break off into the motor, regardless of how violently the oil might squirt against it.

Regards,
 
I reuse the top cover gasket if it's in good shape. I just put a little bit, and I do mean a LITTLE bit of silicone on the gasket. Works fine. 8)
 
Planecrazy said:
I'm a little confused ... why would you remove the valve cover gasket to replace the chrome end pieces? They just unscrew and pop off (which is why they often get lost ... we forget to snug up the screws regularly). Am I misunderstanding what it is you replaced?
Click to expand...


Not on the 650's Steve. He probably has a 650. You have to remove to valve cover to get to the screws for the cam end covers. Pretty stupid huh?
 
Yes i have a 650e i tried to get them on without removing the cover even tried to make my own tool thatb would bend up in there but no luck i hadda take it off.

I might just make my own gasket for it i have done this many times in the past on quads and dirtbikes i restore and they work great,i allready made my own gasket for the cover that goes over the ignition on the side of the motor,i just hate to pay 30 bucks for a gasket lol
 
I had 2 failed attempts using the OEM Suzuki V/C gasket to seal up. I ended up buying the Veserah gasket. A far better gasket IMO as far as sealing. I also used some Three Bond 1211 sealant on both surfaces of the gasket, and I have a tight, perfect seal.
 
Road_Clam said:
I had 2 failed attempts using the OEM Suzuki V/C gasket to seal up. I ended up buying the Veserah gasket. A far better gasket IMO as far as sealing. I also used some Three Bond 1211 sealant on both surfaces of the gasket, and I have a tight, perfect seal.
Click to expand...

Ironically, I'm told that Vesreh MAKES the OEM gaskets for many companies, as well as clutch parts, etc... When I replaced the clutch on my 1100G I was told that Vesrah was the OEM provider. Works great, by the way!

Regards,
 
I've been nearly flogged for saying so, but I happen to think Vesrah gaskets are higher quality than OEM Suzuki. Better design, materials and fit in my experience.

There are some "Athena" brand gaskets out there on eBay. I bought a set way back when, and I wasn't very happy with them.

I've purchased a few Suzuki gaskets, like the valve cover and case covers, and I was pretty disappointed. They were basically cardboard and quite fragile. The Vesrah stuff has a more "plastic" feel to it, seals well, and is tough enough to re-use.

CRC2 sells individual Vesrah valve cover and case gaskets, BTW:
http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/
 
bwringer said:
I've been nearly flogged for saying so, but I happen to think Vesrah gaskets are higher quality than OEM Suzuki. Better design, materials and fit in my experience.

There are some "Athena" brand gaskets out there on eBay. I bought a set way back when, and I wasn't very happy with them.

I've purchased a few Suzuki gaskets, like the valve cover and case covers, and I was pretty disappointed. They were basically cardboard and quite fragile. The Vesrah stuff has a more "plastic" feel to it, seals well, and is tough enough to re-use.

CRC2 sells individual Vesrah valve cover and case gaskets, BTW:
http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/
Click to expand...

The same is true about the quality of their brake pads. Better than OEM and I preffer them to the EBC pads too.
 
I know many here have recommended it's use but I encourage you that if you want to be sure it doesn't leak then don't use any sealer of any kind on the gasket. I too have used a paint thin layer over the years and have had varying results. Mostly they don't leak but sometimes they would weep or leak. I finally found out from an experienced mechanic that using sealant on the valve cover gasket of a motorcycle is a mistake and is more likely to cause a leak then it is to prevent one. You can use a little, you will probably be OK. But if you don't use any it will for sure be OK. Just a little paint thin smear of the stuff over the half moons being careful not to flow over into the gasket and you will be set with a solid leak free cover.

Many opinions on how to do it here and almost all of them based on experience so weigh the advice and go with your gut buddy. I know since I stopped using sealer on most things I have a solid bike with no leaks at all anymore. This is my experience. Hope it helps.
 
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