Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Primary cover gasket install

The manual & general concensus is that the gasket gets installed dry. I have managed not to nick the 2 mating surfaces, but I still have reservations about potential oil leaks. The new gasket is made by Interface performance gaskets. The original (2004) gasket that I scraped off appears to have been a dry install also, and it never leaked. Are my concerns valid ?

I've changed mine only once, but it leaked without a super light coat of permatex. I'm about to take my cover off again here soon so I can replace the oil seal at the clutch actuator, and try to fix my crankcase breather. I intend on using a sealant then, too. Again, super light coat is all that's needed, basically enough to make it stick to the metal. If some squeezes out when you tighten it up, it was probably too much

The ones I have installed I didn't use a gasket just some Ultra Black Permatex.

Thanks Dave/Ian, looks like I'll be using some Ultra black permatex. I'll post the results soon. Bike is going back together today. Just installed the green springs, TTP firestarter, and the TTP safe start. Can't wait to take her for a spin !

Make sure the surfaces are clean and dry.

Thanks Ian, she's all prepped & ready for reassembly. I've had lots of time to prepare while waiting on parts from England !!

First cover I used it on was Wendys (my X) timing cover and that still hasn't had a leak. I mean modern covers, I have used that stuff for many years on the old Triumphs and it works great. I used to be a purist and used only gaskets with no silicone but got tired of having to do it over from leaks when a case isn't exactly flat anymore. I started putting that on the gaskets to prevent leaks and that works too. Then I started using that with no gaskets and it works.

One other thing it is important to not use too much or too little, you want just a small amount to squeeze out because you don't want it getting in the engine.

all went well, Thank you Dave/Ian for the great advice