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Gasket sealers or no with OEM gaskets??

  • Thread starter Thread starter ruler7171
  • Start date Start date
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ruler7171

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What is the concensus on using gasket sealers? I bought OEM Suzuki gaskets (cylinder head, breather cover , magneto cover, breaker cover). Do I need to use a gasket sealant? If so, is there one that you guys lean towards on your own bikes?
 
No.... some guys will put a coating of grease on their gaskets in attempts to get an extra use out of them hopefully, but that's usually only with the cam cover gasket.
 
Conventional GSR wisdom says no sealer. However, interestingly, Kawasaki advocates some selective use of sealer on some gaskets. Around one side of the head gasket, by the cam chain tunnel for example. Suzuki doesn't call for similar sealer, but I don't think it's an atrocity if someone uses Gasketsinch on the base gasket or similar.
 
None on mine, but grease on gaskets with no pressure behind them
 
Thanks guys. Also, what oil do you guys prefer, brand/weight?
 
A lot of us put in Diesel 10/40, it's a better oil for these older bikes. Not sure what brand you American fellas are using.
 
I have never heard of using diesel oil for motor in our old bikes , why is it better!
 
The diesel oils have more zinc in them for transmission and engine roller bearings and cams protection
 
Rotella 10/40, NOW with more ZINK :p
Our engines need a bit more protection but these days we see more additives being removed from the oils that would help.
Zinc being one of them.
Diesel oils still have higher than average quantity of these additives.
Avoid anything that says energy conserving! (clutch will slip)


I do changes more often as well because of how much cheaper it is for the quantity you get.

Usually will do 2 changes for 1 oil filter with one jug. And most of the time the oil hasn't even started changing color.


And on the seal I just lube it with fresh oil and install . Haven't had a leak and so far able to do 5 removal's with no problem. Its important to torque the bolts properly though. Over tightening will lead to leaks.
 
I think it depends on the material the gasket is made from. Paper, cork, metal, composite, rubber, etc.

I don't think metal gaskets benefit from gasket goo. Once they are compressed they have to be replaced, if they are of the two layered with crimped sealing surface variety. Copper can be annealled and reseal without issues. I was taught that they have to be annealled before initial installation in any event, so it's always fun to do that on the kitchen stove.

Rubber and composite gaskets, like those for valve covers, can be handier if they are 'stuck' to the one side, because then they are removed along with the valve cover or etc. and can be reused. Same with some paper gaskets. Usually if using them in that way some kind of silicone sticks them in place within or on the cover and something like a thin coating of wheel bearing grease is used against the sealing surface.

There is a lot of variation in gasket material. I think it's best to use the best you can afford, make sure the surfaces that mate are whistle clean, they follow the instructions of the manufacturer you choose.

That said, like jeeprusty, I prefer Permatex products.

S.
 
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