Replacing gaskets

[barnabasantioch]

I've heard various methods for replacing the gaskets on all of my engine covers (clutch, points, stator, valve cover, etc) but wanted to get opinions from this group. When replacing these gaskets, should I add gasket sealant and apply to 1 side, both sides, or neither? Some people say gasket only, some recommend hondabond. Any insight would be helpful.

 

[TheCoffeeGuy]

Honda manuals usually just recommend Gaskets, no sealer. personally I have never used sealer.

 

[jpmobius]

Most modern gaskets aren't supposed to have any additional sealant. That said, I use a variety of "help" depending on the situation. For example, if the assembly will contain oil, and I think I might want to take it apart (like a clutch cover), I often glue the gasket to the cover with a semi-hardening sealant like 3bond (yamabond, Hondabond) and smear a thin layer of grease (wheel bearing grease is fine) on the engine side. This lets you remove the cover many times without damaging the gasket as it comes free of the engine very easily and stays intact on the cover. This is a very reliable method and I have yet to have a leak on probably hundreds of applications. I also use Hylomar and Loctite 518 on parts that are suspect or again needing to be easily disassembled. I almost never use RTV silicone unless the original design of the assembly was done with using this as an integral part.