Hi
I have a leak on the timing chest cover on my B31.
I have a new gasket as part of an engine gasket set, but, do you a) just rely on the gasket, b) use something like Blue Hylomar as well, or c) use a silicone gasket compound instead?
I don't yet know how good the mating faces are but I estimate they are not bad overall
Thanks
Hi Grumps
First of all are you sure the oil is leaking from the cork gasket or is it coming down the back from sllder gasket or footrest gaskets? Is the case overfilled? There are plenty of places for the oil to escape.
When fitting the cover cork gasket, did you check that the faces are flat and there aren't raised points where the cover has been overtightened in the past. Apply a film of grease to both sides of the cork and screw in the fixing screw evenly until it starts to squeeze the cork. No pressure is needed.
Hi Greenfield
I have not taken the cover off yet. The leak appears to be coming from the very bottom of the cover/engine joint.
You seem to be saying just use a smear of grease on the gasket rather than a smear of blue Hylomar.
I smear grease on new timing cover gaskets and have never had any oil leaks. I have also reused gaskets that haven't been in service very long without any problems.
Thanks Martinh10 and Greenfield
I believe Mr Greenfield is referring to the primary chaincase.
Hi,
Gaskets these days seem to be lot better than years ago and can, if careful, be use a few times. I use Blue Hylomar on the cover that is removed and high meting point grease on the other side of the gasket.
So put the gasket on the cover with the Hylomar and allow to go off a bit - it never goes hard but it will hold the gasket in place. Rub the high melting point grease on to the exposed surface of the gasket. It may look like it soaks in so put a bit more on until it stays quite greasy. When putting the cover on but do not over tighten. Beforehand, it may also be worth checking that there are no raised bits around the threaded holes. These can prevent the cover from sitting properly and can be removed with a countersink bit.
Now the gasket should stay in place and intact when the cover is removed and still seal when used again.
Dave.
Excellent. Thanks :)
Hi, interested to Read the comments on baskets as I'm hoping to make a start on rebuilding my a65 engine soon obviously starting with the crank cases and the very last thing I'd want is a leak there. So would you recommend the same process with all casing gaskets? As always any advice will be gratefully received. Dave.
Hi,
There is no gasket between the crankcase halves. Just use a very thin smear of Hylomar or a silicon sealer. Although most people probably do not bother but there is a torque setting for the crankcase studs which probably helps to keep things sealed, otherwise, I use the method mentioned.
Dave.
I always use a compound on all gaskets. My personal choice is Wellseal
Morning, many thanks for the advice and is it just me that hates predictive text. Dave.
Quote from: DAVE BRADY on 18 Jan, 2023, 16:38
Hi,
Gaskets these days seem to be lot better than years ago and can, if careful, be use a few times. I use Blue Hylomar on the cover that is removed and high meting point grease on the other side of the gasket.
So put the gasket on the cover with the Hylomar and allow to go off a bit - it never goes hard but it will hold the gasket in place. Rub the high melting point grease on to the exposed surface of the gasket. It may look like it soaks in so put a bit more on until it stays quite greasy. When putting the cover on but do not over tighten. Beforehand, it may also be worth checking that there are no raised bits around the threaded holes. These can prevent the cover from sitting properly and can be removed with a countersink bit.
Now the gasket should stay in place and intact when the cover is removed and still seal when used again.
Dave.
I use this method on covers that are to be removed relatively frequently , such as Triumph primary covers .
Cheap , fast and efficient.
I'm used to working on modern Ducatis and use the same Threebond sealant on my B32. Works a treat.
So far so good on the timing case gasket. Grease on engine side of the gasket, non-setting cement on the other. Great👍👍