Do you always use gaskets?

[Grizzlypeg]

Do you always use gaskets, or do you ever just use silicone instead for things like side covers, valve cover, etc?

[shortline10]

Always gaskets , Silicone will kill the motor / clog up the oil passages , Never ever use silicone . Form a gasket or honda bond is ok to use with gaskets though .

[Mr_RPM]

sometimes just sealing it up with some hondabond can work. but if your in a situation like that maybe try buying sheets of gaskets from an auto store or hardwear store. then cut your own. thats what i like to do for things like that. (buy a big role of gasket material so your always ready for any unexpected gasket needs)

[Thorpe]

Gaskets....

[MonroeMike]

I use gaskets, never silicone.

[harryredtrike]

never use silicone,always use gaskets,and preferably new one

[jeffatc250r]

I oil up both sides of gaskets that are commonly removed ( side covers) It keeps them from sticking and ripping when taken apart. I dont do the silicone thing, I wont even buy a bike that has silicone globbed out of something that should have a gasket. In my opinion its lazy and makes me raise the question of what else was skimped out on if they cant even buy a $5 gasket.

[honda200x1987]

I spoke with a mechanic at my local Honda shop years ago about this. They never use any kind of silicone on their gaskets, it can clog the engine and cause damage. Always use new gaskets.

[84honda200s]

i always use gaskets .. ALWAYS ! the only place i dont is on the rocker cover and thats only because they dont offer gaskets for the rocker cover ...

[200XMichigan]

Despite everyone's hate for silicone. I used this on the gasket so it will peal off easy. It is just like RTV, except it is an aerosol, and goes on as a super thin, basically like paint, but then when you pull the side cover next time there won't be any scraping.

The gaskets on the side of the 200X, kick starter side, need to be the same thickness as factory, don't know how exact but there are bearing and thrust washers and if the gaskets are to thick or thin the will be too much or too little play in the kicker gears. Just did mine last night.

I posted a thread on this a while back, also there are oil passages on the kicker side. So RTV could clog them, if you were to goop it on.

I really like this stuff. Spray it on,let it get tacky and the side cover gaskets will stick in place.

[Grizzlypeg]

So everyone's pretty much on the fence in this issue eh?

[oldskool83]

i use gaskets for everything were they are specified, if valve covers came with them i'd use them here also, thats the only place some gasket sealer is used with me.

[RodKnockRacing]

gaskets.... quick question anyone ever try making a gasket for the rocker cover on a 200x ive always thought about it. i just think RTV can be a pain in the a!@ sometimes

[shortline10]

gaskets.... quick question anyone ever try making a gasket for the rocker cover on a 200x ive always thought about it. i just think RTV can be a pain in the a!@ sometimes

No gasket on the 83-85 200x rocker cover . Needs 0 clearance for the cam bushings/bearings . If you use a gasket their you'll have a sloppy cam shaft LOL

[oldskool83]

a thin layer of sealer on the valve cover is all ya need. you dont need much, sometimes in its easier to take a small paint brush and just brush it on then you dont get it smushing out when you seal it down and it wont get intside either.