Cover gaskets - to goo or not to goo?

[ChazzyB]

I'm assisting a chum who took to the countryside on his Tiger last week-end. As a result, the right-side crankcase end cover is, shall we say, past its best and needs replacing. Once a new cover and gasket(s) are on hand, should a jointing compound be used? I've suggested a thin film of Hylomar, but it looks as though there was nothing used at the factory. What's the recommendation? Mr Hayne's publication just says "use a new gasket" - Hah!  :?:

[Bixxer Bob]

You can use something like Loctite 5920.  I use it all the time (that's all that's keeping the oil in on my Blackbird alternator cover as I didn't have a gasket at the time and didn't get round to re-doing it when I got home).  I don't have any probs with disassembly afterwards - it comes apart ok and is easy to peel off, unlike some products I can think of.....

[TheMule]

When I got my '01 it had a slight leak from under the valve cover. After checking the valves I used a very, very thin layer of permatex with the gasket and no more leaks  :D .

good luck,

[prbarr]

I recently replaced the alternator cover on my 2005 due to a crack that was dripping oil.  I didn't use anything other than the new gasket.  No problems after about 4000 miles.