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.