Inner Timing Cover Gasket With Or Without Gasket Sealant?

[88bmwjeff]

I hope this doesn't become a thread with a lot of opinions, but should I install the gasket for the inner timing cover dry or with gasket sealant?

[20774]

Snowbum says in a couple of places on this page to not use any sealant. Search the page for "sealant".

https://bmwmotorcycletech.info/timingchain.htm

[88bmwjeff]

Snowbum says in a couple of places on this page to not use any sealant. Search the page for "sealant".

https://bmwmotorcycletech.info/timingchain.htm

I watched a video from Boxer2Valve and he uses sealant. But, I'll go with Snowbum here; as such, I'm leaning towards no sealant.

[20774]

What does that Boxer2Valve know!! Tough call, opposite info from solid sources.

I tracked down an Airheads airmail post where Tom Cutter says no sealant.

But there are a couple of tiny circular gaskets used on the top two holes.

[MANICMECHANIC]

Just my nickel's worth - a few years back I did the same job with the engine in the frame. I used some gray sealant, not as a sealant, but just a little as an adhesive to keep the gasket (including those two circular pieces) in place while installing the timing cover. Made getting all the fasteners in place easier without messing up the gasket.

[20774]

What's the final decision? The usual crowd at Boxerworks seems to like using some kind of sealant/paste.

[Omega Man]

FWIW, if it requires sealer, I apply the sealer accordingly. If it doesn’t require sealer, I apply sealer as a way of holding the gasket in place….. Usually something like Permatex Ultra Black.

If I want it to be adhered without fasteners, it’s Indianhead shellac

OM

[88bmwjeff]

What's the final decision? The usual crowd at Boxerworks seems to like using some kind of sealant/paste.

I'm going to skip on the sealant. I was surprised about the recommendation to use grease or oil to hold the gasket in place. I was planning on using a bit of grease to hold the two round gaskets at the top. I'm leaning towards using a thin coat of grease or oil to hold the gasket in place. However, that task will be for the upcoming weekend.

Kurt, thanks for your posts on both sites.

[STEVENRANKIN]

All the times I have installed new chains, I have not used a sealer. The two little bitty gaskets are tricky to keep in place I may have used a tiny drop of something to keep them in place. St.

[GTRider]

All the times I have installed new chains, I have not used a sealer. The two little bitty gaskets are tricky to keep in place I may have used a tiny drop of something to keep them in place. St.

I’ve never used a sealer either. The big gasket isn’t too tough to keep in place and a shot of 3M spray adhesive works well on the two small round gaskets.

Best,
DeVern

[STEVENRANKIN]

Thanks DeVern for refreshing my memory, I couldn't remember what I used to hold the little guys in place. St.