Gasket materials?

[Monk]

Gonna replace at least the rocker cover gaskets on the Sporty. Hope we don't need to go deeper, but we'll see.

What's best to use? OEM or is there a good/better/best aftermarket company around?

Need input, please.

[gruss]

Monk, I would use factory...I've done the sporty top ends twice for mechanical mods/repairs, and I'm 2 for 2 with no leaks. They fit well, and prices are good at the dealer.....IMHO

[Monk]

So, should I get the kit?

The downside about OEM (for me) is that that's what is in there leakin' after only 13K miles, now.:crazy

[Osco*]

So, should I get the kit?

The downside about OEM (for me) is that that's what is in there leakin' after only 13K miles, now.:crazy

Monk This Is normal, the Head covers change shape as she breaks in. The Chrome ones change even more.
It's all done but the Gasket can't reshape to match.
Thats alot of heat transfer across a small area.
It should be a simple swap and the OEM's should last longer.
I bet once you see It done you won't mind a repeat in 10 to 15K miles IF that happens.

[Monk]

I appreciate that the OEM stuff is good, and Croc tells me the Cometic brand is good too, cheaper and possibly more durable..?
The Cometic kit is available from J&P for about $45... http://www.jpcycles.com/product/434-474

Croc is also checking with his local custom shop, haven't bought anything yet.

That's interesting about the surfaces changing as the break in occurs... never knew that before.

Is it normal to have to replace these like a maintenance item? Sonny D says his originals are still goin' strong, no leaks ever.
I'm thinkin' this FL heat is rough on a motor, especially during break-in.

[Crocodile56]

Monk, all the rubers and fibers are in stock and under $20.

[Monk]

$20 for everything we need? Hell, I'll send cash to you today.

These'd be OEMs, right?

[Ironhead]

I like the OEM gaskets.
Also the gasket that comes stock on alot of the sporties (rockerbox to head) is a paper gasket, the HD replacement for it is a rubberized metal gasket, much superior part

[gruss]

I like the OEM gaskets.
Also the gasket that comes stock on alot of the sporties (rockerbox to head) is a paper gasket, the HD replacement for it is a rubberized metal gasket, much superior part

AGREED !!

[Monk]

Well, here's where we stand... Croc can pickup the needed fiber bolt seal gaskets and the 4 OEMs from his local custom shop.
But before he does that, I'm gonna make a serious effort to be sure it's only leaking from between the top cover and 2nd plate. I think it is.
If it's leakin' lower (like from below the lower chromed edge) we'll need to go deeper and in that event I'll likely order the Cometic kit with everything.
Meanwhile I'll price out the OEM kit from the dealership too.

I just want good gaskets.
An' some of Classy's B-B-Que!

[gruss]

Well, here's where we stand... Croc can pickup the needed fiber bolt seal gaskets and the 4 OEMs from his local custom shop.
But before he does that, I'm gonna make a serious effort to be sure it's only leaking from between the top cover and 2nd plate. I think it is.
If it's leakin' lower (like from below the lower chromed edge) we'll need to go deeper and in that event I'll likely order the Cometic kit with everything.
Meanwhile I'll price out the OEM kit from the dealership too.

I just want good gaskets.
An' some of Classy's B-B-Que!

Both leaks on my bike were the rocker box cover, and not the lower half. I went into those to replace lifters and rockers last fall.....The OEM top gaskets were cheap at the dealer, and fit like a glove......P.S.

"NO" lube or sealant when replacing the top gaskets, as they are silicone formed gaskets, and will "slip" when installed if sealants are used......
And wipe down the rocker covers "well" before the gaskets go in......

Gaskets can be purchased from the Dealer one by one, or as a complete set. I buy mine one at a time.....g

[Monk]

Yeah, I do have the individual OEM numbers for them...

[gruss]

Yeah, I do have the individual OEM numbers for them...

Your set...

Now I'm sure Cometic gasket are just fine to use, and I dont want to discourage you from getting a deal. Croc knows his stuff, and If he says they work well I believe Him..
I just choose to use the factory stuff, as it was within 10% on the price through J&P, or the dealer....

You'll be fine either way.......IMHO................g

[sonnyd]

You guys are scaring me..........my bike is 10 years old and almost 20,000 miles and mine isn't leaking. I'm going to be Crushed
when it starts. Original owner was pretty gentle on it, and so am I so maybe I'll be ok for a while more.
Regards Sonny

[Monk]

Mine was dry as a bone when I picked it up w/ 5k miles on it... I changed to full synth top and bottom before 6k, rode it a lot but only let it go past 100 once... noticed slight seepage around rear rocker cover @ about 8k.
At once I started rememberin' those ol' biker sayings like "Synthetic LEAKS".
It's progressively gotten slowly worse so now both covers leak (front and back) and there's a little oil film on the block where it doesn't belong.
I haven't pounded it much so it ain't abused AFAIK (but the prev owner did have it setup for pounding), just figure the heat down here made the old gaskets slip or deteriorate faster than usual. My usual warmed up temp is around 220° whenever I shut it off - I'd call that high nominal.
At least I hope that's the case.

We'll see in 2 weeks.