I'm trying to get my B31 back on the road again (finally!). I've taken the primary chaincase cover off to paint it. The previous owner had used a lot of some kind of flexible gasket sealant around the main cork seal but also where the footrest passes through the chaincase cover. Can anyone recommend a good gasket sealant to use for this job? Something resistant to oil but which doesn't set rock hard for when I ever need to remove the cover again. Many thanks
Threebond 1184. I've used this on my C15 recently and found it to be really good. Comes in a big tube and is around £20, but compared to the smaller tubes and the amount you get, it's a good price. I looked into what would be best and this came up as a good choice.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THREEBOND-1184-SEALANT-LIQUID-GASKET-200G-NEW-SIZE-official-supplier-best-price/112358834803?hash=item1a291bc273:g:90AAAOSwBLlU7KFi
When I had my 1948 M21 gearbox rebuilt, I asked the guy that done it what would be the best way of sealing the primary chain case. He is very experienced and I trust his advice.
He recommended using the cork gasket with cheap builders silicon. I followed the advice and have an oil-tight primary. Whatever you use, don't rush to test it; give it a day or more to go off.
Three bond is very good. It can also be a bit of a struggle to remove easily. I use it for sealing Bantam crankcases and it works very well in that application. Can be removed with cellulose thinners.
If you are using a gasket, then I probably would not use threebond. I tend to use a good quality gasket with some blue hylomar sealant.
If your cork gasket is still in one piece, not damaged overly, do this. Get hold of an oven pan or similiar, that gasket will fit into flat, put it in, weigh it down with some spanners, fill with water an simmer gently for 15 mins. It will swell back to size it was when new, an thus should seal well, if you tighten fastenings evenly an to same tension.before u start cooking it, wipe down well with white spirit, get as clean as can, so,s to remain , reasonably, in family's good books.
many thanks guys. Lots of good options to try :)