Guest Swifty Posted January 13, 2009 #1 Posted January 13, 2009 I notice that my engine side cover gaskets last about 30,000 miles (2 seasons) and then they start seeping. I figure that it should be better. Since those gaskets are paper thin, wouldn't putting 2 on at one time work better, last longer? Is there someone who has another theory?(...besides not driving my bike like it was meant to be.)
SilvrT Posted January 13, 2009 #2 Posted January 13, 2009 How about re-torqueing the bolts? Never really had this problem on any of my scoots. As an added note, years ago I had a Truimph Bonneville 650. They were notorious for oil leaking. I rebuilt that engine and the only actual gastket in it was the head gasket. I used silicone on all the other mating surfaces. Never had any leaks after that.
Carbon_One Posted January 13, 2009 #3 Posted January 13, 2009 I'd also recommend a RTV type of sealer. Preferably a high temperature one. A thin bead is better than using an excessive amount as well. You don't want that excessive sealant getting into the bikes inards and clogging an oil passage. You could coat both sides of the gasket with just enough sealant to make it tacky, then install the gasket and part. My guess is no one will be changing gaskets every couple of years. Larry
mraf Posted January 13, 2009 #4 Posted January 13, 2009 Leaking oil. Try no oil. Problem solved.:rotfl::rotfl:
SilvrT Posted January 13, 2009 #5 Posted January 13, 2009 Leaking oil. Try no oil. Problem solved.:rotfl::rotfl: I'm sure the boys from "slick 50" would agree! :sign20:
KiteSquid Posted January 13, 2009 #6 Posted January 13, 2009 You should not stack gaskets, as you will have MORE leaks!!!!!!!
BuddyRich Posted January 13, 2009 #7 Posted January 13, 2009 I agree, stacking gaskets is asking for more leaks. try this http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/specialty_gasket_maker/MotoSeal_1_Ultimate_Gasket_Maker_Grey.htm http://www.permatex.com/products/motorcycle/motorcycle_gasketing.htm
Marcarl Posted January 13, 2009 #8 Posted January 13, 2009 Just put some Harley signs on it and it won't seem like it's leaking at all.
KiteSquid Posted January 13, 2009 #9 Posted January 13, 2009 You're right, it would be "Marking it's spot!"
BradT Posted January 14, 2009 #10 Posted January 14, 2009 Just put some Harley signs on it and it won't seem like it's leaking at all. I have seen many oil spots in your driveway, didn't know you had a Harley, where do you hide when you have visitors ? BRad
MAINEAC Posted January 14, 2009 #11 Posted January 14, 2009 I notice that my engine side cover gaskets last about 30,000 miles (2 seasons) and then they start seeping. I figure that it should be better. Since those gaskets are paper thin, wouldn't putting 2 on at one time work better, last longer? Is there someone who has another theory?(...besides not driving my bike like it was meant to be.) What kind of oil are you running??
Marcarl Posted January 14, 2009 #12 Posted January 14, 2009 I have seen many oil spots in your driveway, didn't know you had a Harley, where do you hide when you have visitors ? BRad Yep,,, sometimes I even have some 2nd gens in the driveway,,,,glad they make soap so's we's can clean up after them.
scotty Posted January 14, 2009 #13 Posted January 14, 2009 As mentioned stacking gaskets will not work. There are a lot of products that will help seal a stubborn gasket. My personal favorite is loctite 515. A thin film of this on both sides of the gasket and it won't leak! This stuff seals under compression, if there is a gap or a hole in the housings it will not work at all. The other nice quality is you can throw what's left on shelf for years and it is still good. The local NAPA carries it. Just one mechanics opinion:2cents:
Gambler Posted January 14, 2009 #14 Posted January 14, 2009 Some of the guys are on the right track , Its marking its spot so it is in the transformation stage of its life. Sorry Dave , its turning into a harly, Take it out back of the garage & shoot it ,then by yourself a 2nd Gen.:rotfl: Gambler:15_8_211[1]:
Condor Posted January 14, 2009 #15 Posted January 14, 2009 I've never had a side cover gasket leak... and some of the engines have 70+K miles on them and are fairly long in the tooth. All the sealants are doing is treating the symptom and not the cause. Re-torqueing the bolts occasionally is a good suggestion, as you might be dealing with harmonics loosing them. You might also check for hairline cracks along the mating surfaces. And just for the heck of it, lay the cover on a flat pain of glass and check for a warping. A trick to clean up the mating surface of the cover is to take 1200 wet/dry in wet mode, tape it to the pane of glass, color the surface of the cover with a Marks-alot, and lap the surface of the cover in a circluar motion. If you have any low spots they will show up. Keep lapping until all the black disappears. Also make sure you're using 'dino' oil and not synthetics. The 1stGens don't like synthetics all that much.
Guest Swifty Posted January 14, 2009 #16 Posted January 14, 2009 What kind of oil are you running?? using the recommended grade, Yamalube, or GTX.
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