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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Iahawk on April 11, 2016, 05:53:50 PM

Title: valve cover gasket alternatives?
Post by: Iahawk on April 11, 2016, 05:53:50 PM
while I'm into month #2 (and starting #3) since I ordered my parts (frustrated, see post below on Kymco parts source)....I'm wondering if there is a work around for my valve cover gasket? My plan is to check my valve clearance and I assumed the original 6 yr old valve cover gasket wouldn't survive the removal..so that's why I have a new one on order.

Any chance this gasket material is reusable? Anything else I can use for a valve cover gasket on this? (2010 People S200). It's going to be warm enough to start riding very soon and I thought I'd have all this taken care of by now..thanks.
Title: Re: valve cover gasket alternatives?
Post by: tortoise on April 11, 2016, 06:50:43 PM
Parts diagram reference (http://kyps.kymco.com/kyglobal/F021D.do)

Any chance this gasket material is reusable?
Brushing the gasket with ArmorAll (http://www.armorall.com/sites/default/files/original_protectant_4-oz_0.png) (or similar product) will often enhance the "suppleness".

Anything else I can use for a valve cover gasket on this?
5/32" valve packing (http://ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACE3-11748339enh-z7.jpg) . . cut join at around a 45° angle.

You will probably regret using gasket maker (https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1200&bih=597&q=.armorall.com&oq=.armorall.com&gs_l=img.12...1272.1272.0.3124.1.1.0.0.0.0.84.84.1.1.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..0.0.0.SIf4LzOqZNk#hl=en&tbm=isch&q=gasket+maker) . . very difficult to cleanly scrape off, and pieces typically end up in the engine oil.
Title: Re: valve cover gasket alternatives?
Post by: BettinANDlosing on April 11, 2016, 08:25:28 PM
I've NEVER seen the valve cover gasket go bad on a Kymco in the 6 years I worked at the dealer. You can re-use, just put fresh engine oil on it when re-installing so it won't stick next time you do the valves.
Title: Re: valve cover gasket alternatives?
Post by: 2wheelfun on April 11, 2016, 10:15:30 PM
Hey BET, 1/4in bead of silicone on a clean mating surface usually works for valve cover gaskets.
Title: Re: valve cover gasket alternatives?
Post by: Iahawk on April 12, 2016, 12:08:52 AM
I've NEVER seen the valve cover gasket go bad on a Kymco in the 6 years I worked at the dealer. You can re-use, just put fresh engine oil on it when re-installing so it won't stick next time you do the valves.

that's the answer I was hoping for! I think I'll give it a shot. Thanks, Bettin
Title: Re: valve cover gasket alternatives?
Post by: blue on April 12, 2016, 12:21:59 AM
I have used black seal a gasket on mine before.works ok just have to clean off and replace everytime you do the valves.
Title: Re: valve cover gasket alternatives?
Post by: Iahawk on May 26, 2016, 08:13:19 PM
guys, just to follow up on my earlier post...I wanted to check my valves but was hesitant to do it without having a backup valve cover gasket in hand. Bought one from the local dealer and went ahead and checked my valves...they were spot on...and the original gasket was in great shape.

I just cleaned it off and re oiled it as suggested and it sealed back up just fine. It's not a traditional valve cover gasket material...it's more like a hard rubber gasket. I'll include a pic of my still unopened, backup gasket.

Title: Re: valve cover gasket alternatives?
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on May 27, 2016, 11:02:33 AM
Yeah....i've had two new ones for two yrs for my LIKE200I. ..but have never had to use them yet. Been into my valves maybe 6 or 1/2 doz times.:-)
Stig
Title: Re: valve cover gasket alternatives?
Post by: TroutBum on May 27, 2016, 07:46:30 PM
My backup gasket I purchased three years ago sits in my tool box. The orginal seems to last just fine. Just clean with a rag and reapply a little motor oil and it's good to go.  :D
Title: Re: valve cover gasket alternatives?
Post by: Iahawk on May 27, 2016, 11:43:50 PM
but we all know that the one time we pull the valve cover with no backup gasket...we tear it!