3 Bond or Not?

[ideasman]

I often tell people there is no silly questions! However this may be one?
I am rebuilding another RM80 And am about to assemble the cases with a brand new OEM gasket
My Question is what is the best, Naked gasket no goo? or use some gasket sealant?
I welcome all opinions and critisim,

Cheers
Ideasman.

[mx250]

Naked gasket no goo is me.

Smear gasket with a little oil - helps hold it in place, doesn't pinch as you tighten, swells the gasket minutely to ensure fit and comes apart easily for the next rebuild after you screw up .

[PEZBerq]

For what it's worth I always use 3 Bond on my gaskets. Not worth the risk it will leak if surfaces aren't perfect.....have been bitten before Cheap insurance in my view - especially for crankcase half joint gaskets which are a major pain to replace. Only need to smear a very thin layer on the cases.  I use the black 1207B on everything (even cylinder base gaskets  ) but the grey one is also good.  Never had drama with disassembly and it's easy to remove and reuse the gasket  if you are careful. Cheers

[Mike52]

For what it's worth I always use 3 Bond on my gaskets. Not worth the risk it will leak if surfaces aren't perfect.....have been bitten before Cheap insurance in my view - especially for crankcase half joint gaskets which are a major pain to replace. Only need to smear a very thin layer on the cases.  I use the black 1207B on everything (even cylinder base gaskets  ) but the grey one is also good.  Never had drama with disassembly and it's easy to remove and reuse the gasket  if you are careful. Cheers

Got a soft spot for the gray rubbery one. Never let me down yet

[ideasman]

Hi Gents
I think its great how there is no hard and fast rule here,
the case surfaces are great, i think i will go no 3 bond and a little oil Just to make it easy for me after I stuff it (thanks for the vote of confidence MX 250)

My wife is also a fan of the grey rubbery one (interesting)

any more opinions i'm still interested

Cheers

[monaro308]

For what its worth Suzuki recommends/advises that their gaskets should not have any sealants because they are made to swell in contact with oil.
I'm a bit partial to 3 bond as well.

[cappra]

Three Bond 1211 silicone (white) for me.  Why take a chance?
Just a light coat on the gasket, cures and bonds within 24 hours.

[ideasman]

Thanks for the feedback guys
I think I'll go the recommended Suzuki method
Cheers

Ideasman

[pmc57]

I always try to ensure my surfaces are flat and without any high spots by rubbing on a surface plate. A smear of vasaline (similar to oil) on both faces is enough to swell the gaskets but, if there are any imperfections, low spots, signs of corrosion or pitting (as sometimes evindent on magnesium clutch covers), i do us a gasket sealer as well (Loctite Master Gasket 518 or ThreeBond) just to make sure.

 

[Rossvickicampbell]

good timing on this thread.  I had a slight oil leak from my clutch cover.  The cover had been previously welded so put it down to a bit of warping.  managed to get a good condition clutch cover and when I went to put it on had no gasket available.  Thought I would try the "black" gasket maker (sorry can't remember the name) - but guess what - leaked like a sieve.  So currently chasing gaskets and want to know what is the best "sealer" to use - and should it be both sides of the gasket?

cheers

Rossco

[matcho mick]

Rosco try 3 bond 1104 grey,(without the gasket),i use it for crankcase 1/2's,with a gasket i'd use loctite 518,it's not an "adhesive" like the above  ,

[cheapracer]

Rosco try 3 bond 1104 grey,(without the gasket),i use it for crankcase 1/2's,with a gasket i'd use loctite 518,it's not an "adhesive" like the above  ,

This.

With respect I've put more engines together than most of you and 3 bond grey or Yamabond etc is where it's at.

Many manufacturers advise against it for a reason - too many idiots out there who haven't a clue and ruin the whole engine thru incompetence then blame the brand, the places I've seen silastic end up is surprisng.

[Rossvickicampbell]

thanks gents - as always appreciated.

[chrisdespo]

well said cheapracer