GL1100 Valve Cover gaskets

I have been working on my 81 1100 and have the valve covers off. It looks like the PO had a thin layer of silicone adhesive on the gasket. Is this the norm or just extra insurance? Thanks John

It's a shortcut some take to keep from buying new ones. Personally, I'd buy the new ones... leaking gaskets make a mess as you are riding down the road at 70 mph.

Just need something to hold it on but if it fits and holds tight without it then I would use none, silicone is kinda thick, I use gasgacinch myself but last cover change they were dry.

If you are going to use any adhesives, put it on cover side only, & grease the other, so it comes off easily, & can be reused a lot more. Works well with gaskets as well.

If they look to be in good condition you can re-use them just like they are. If they are all jacked up just replace them. They are cheap and easy to get. There is no reason to use any manner of adhesive on them. Many folks like to silly-cone on the belt cover gaskets to the covers themselves which is relatively common. But they don't fit and stay in place as nicely as the head cover gaskets do.

Call it insurance, call it a shortcut, if it works use it. there's a whole bunch of oil in those covers.

Don't believe me? Try running it with those covers off!!

Just while you've got them open, fix up those tappet clearances. you'll love me for it later. :BigGrin:

[url=https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=172474#p172474:2imt4g4l said:

chilidawg » Tue Apr 26, 2016 10:40 pm[/url]":2imt4g4l]
Call it insurance, call it a shortcut, if it works use it. there's a whole bunch of oil in those covers.

Don't believe me? Try running it with those covers off!!

Just while you've got them open, fix up those tappet clearances. you'll love me for it later. :BigGrin:

Click to expand...

Ayup! :hihihi:

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPKca7Oiwjs[/video]

I don't like silicone on any gasket, seen too many problems with it. The manufactures don't use it, that should tell us something. Also check the valve cover bolt seals, if they get too worn the valve covers won't seal properly.

Dang Gerry, that's a good way!to drain the oil!

[url=https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=172602#p172602:2qfmm2h9 said:

brianinpa » Fri Apr 29, 2016 7:15 pm[/url]":2qfmm2h9]
Dang Gerry, that's a good way!to drain the oil!

Click to expand...

:hihihi: Yup! That was from back in the day when I was trying to determine what my engine knocking was and I was really hoping it was something as simple as low oil flow......NOT! No problem with oil flow on that baby! :smilie_happy:
(I did have a large plastic oil pan catching all of the oil.) :whip:

Far be it from me to say I to say I told you so, but.

Told ya so!!