I'm just about to replace my clutch cover with a new gasket (Mk 2). The inboard side of the gasket is smooth. The outside has a couple of black lines on it particularly around the water pump. People talk of taking this cover off on the trail (after tipping the bike over). I don't know whether to use some gasket cement or grease, or nothing. Any clues please? Note that to get the old one off I had to use gasket remover spray which gave me a hangover for about 72 hours, punched a large hole in the ozone layer above London, and took off the engine paint better than Nitromors. I don't ever want to do that again.
Also what about the base and head gaskets?
TIA
Marc

Hi M8,

The gasket remover took the paint off 'cos it is basically paint stripper. The best way I have found of removing old gasket efficiently is with the careful use of a (new) stanley knife blade.

I always use gasket sealer, the best is probably blue hylomar. It never sets as such, and the cover comes off easily next time, generally any remaining gasket stuck to the cases is easier to remove with a smear of hylomar on 'cos it stops the actual gasket sticking to the case.

You only need a very thin smear all over.

With sealer, it also helps keep the gasket in place when fitting the cover.

Good luck.

Roger.

Just a quick addendum:

Use hylomar on the base gasket, but NEVER use any gasket sealer on the head gasket.

Whilst apart, face the head by getting a sheet of glass, something like a foot square, put a coat of valve grinding paste on it and work the head in circular motions on the paste. It takes a little time, but you will end up with a perfectly flat face on the head, with a nice, even, grey finish that will seal excellently.

You can face the top of the barrel in the same manner if you remove the studs first.

If you do this, make sure you remove ALL traces of grinding paste before re-assembly.

Cheers,

Roger.

Blue Hylomar has to be one of the best as any residue actually dissolves rather than staying within the engine like some silicon-based sealants.

I always try to avoid using the stuff if I can help it but sometimes you will get a leak that just cannot be sealed any other way

Our friends at LT said they just lightly grease clutch cover gaskets, and never use any jointing compound at all. I ended up greasing the clutch cover and blue hylomar both sides of the base gasket. The head was not disturbed. I just hope it seals OK round the coolant feed.
I remember the first time I saw Honda gaskets with the built-in glue and the dealer telling us not to use grease or jointing compound. We were students, oh how we cried at the prospect of use once-only gaskets. I have to say I still cried when I paid for my CRM gaskets, although casting my mind back I have distant recollections of paying over forty quid for a CBX main rocker cover seal, and more than once.
Thanks for all the help, now I need to source some petrol breather and coolant pipes.

i use no sealant and have had the cover off a few times inc on the trail on sun, with no problems/leaks. i would have damaged it if it was sealed both sides.