valve cover gasket alternatives?

[Iahawk]

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.

[tortoise]

Parts diagram reference

Any chance this gasket material is reusable?

Brushing the gasket with ArmorAll (or similar product) will often enhance the "suppleness".

Anything else I can use for a valve cover gasket on this?

5/32" valve packing . . cut join at around a 45° angle.

You will probably regret using gasket maker . . very difficult to cleanly scrape off, and pieces typically end up in the engine oil.

[BettinANDlosing]

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.

[2wheelfun]

Hey BET, 1/4in bead of silicone on a clean mating surface usually works for valve cover gaskets.

[Iahawk]

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

[blue]

I have used black seal a gasket on mine before.works ok just have to clean off and replace everytime you do the valves.

[Iahawk]

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.

[Stig / Major Tom]

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

[TroutBum]

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. 

[Iahawk]

but we all know that the one time we pull the valve cover with no backup gasket...we tear it!