Reuse valve cover gasket
- Thread starter Road Slug
- Start date
I always did. Had my 07 off 3-4 times, just make sure the rubber mat is not between the cover and head. I use a small but long diameter screwdriver to swipe on the back side
You might consider replacing the little rubber washers under the valve cover bolts. They compress over time and won't seal. Absolutely do not over tighten the valve cover bolts. They are not large and screw into the aluminum head. Some guys have stripped the threads. Since the head is angled, getting the bolts to land in the threaded holes can be difficult. No wrenching until you are sure they are screwing into the hole by hand.
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Yes you can, however if those are the original ones from 1994 you might want to think about replacing them as they do get brittle over time.
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
If I remember correctly (it has been 22 + years since I had a ST1100) just remove the maint panels on the ST1100. I am sure someone will correct me if my memory has escaped me.
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To add a little more info to this comment, when the "grommets" under the valve cover bolts compress with time, you won't get even a new valve cover gasket to seal well. This is because the cover bolts have a shoulder just above the threads and that shoulder bottoms out on the head as you tighten them. Once they bottom out you can't tighten them any more or you'll strip out the threads. The valve cover pressure on the gasket depends on how thick the "grommet" under the bolt head is. When they're new and thick, they compress the valve cover more, and apply more pressure to the gasket. Over time they get thinner and can no longer push the valve cover down far enough to put good pressure on the gasket.
Its also not a bad idea to put a dab of sealant on the half-moon part of the gasket to help those seal better, as you suggested.
Took valve cover off, cleaned, gasket groove, used rtv black on front and rear plugs.
Cleaned gasket and used minimal amount to hold gasket on cover for install.
Hopefully this stops the seepage at the front and rear plugs.
Now i wait.
Cleaned gasket and used minimal amount to hold gasket on cover for install.
Hopefully this stops the seepage at the front and rear plugs.
Now i wait.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
Juts do a careful look down into the spark plug recesses.
Sometimes you can get a leak in there and not know it.
Thought about that and will check that out!
Slydynbye
Will ride for Pie
New washers under the valve cover bolts are a good investment in my opinion. They compress with time, new ones will help the valve cover seal.
Slydynbye
Will ride for Pie
it's not about sealing, it's about compressing the valve cover gasket.
Hmmm, that O-ring trick is an interesting idea. Might be a cheap one-time fix after the grommets compress. I have a feeling the grommets may only compress to a point, then no further, and if the O-ring takes up that gap, it would be cheaper and easier than buying new grommets from time to time. Will be interesting to see if there is any oil leak from that area over time, he's only run it for a few minutes so far.
Slydynbye
Will ride for Pie
Agreed, if used in addition to the original grommets it might add enough to squeeze the Gasket
Interesting. Part number for the Harley o-rings?
I got the o rings on Amazon. Pn 11105.
I bought a 50 pack for 6 bucks because I got tired going down to the dealer buying them for my Road King.
Snugged them down. Did not bottom them out on the stops. Seems to be a good seal.
Eventually, I am going to 3d print some inserts with a groove for the oring to seat and get rid of the expensive original seals.
I bought a 50 pack for 6 bucks because I got tired going down to the dealer buying them for my Road King.
Snugged them down. Did not bottom them out on the stops. Seems to be a good seal.
Eventually, I am going to 3d print some inserts with a groove for the oring to seat and get rid of the expensive original seals.