Topic: CB550K Cylinder Head Cover Gasket - sealant or no?

[jorwesflow]

CB550K 1977
I've found conflicting opinions on it. My Cylinder Head Cover gasket (AKA valve cover) has recently breached and it's time for a new one. Should I use some sort of gasket sealant/form-a-gasket in the groove before setting the gasket in? Auto Zone has a million different types: high temp, red, copper, non-hardening, etc and there's also many who swear by Hondabond, but which one?

[goldarrow]

I'm guessing this is a 550 bike since you mention groove on the cover....

Don't need any sealant

[jorwesflow]

I'm guessing this is a 550 bike since you mention groove on the cover....

Don't need any sealant

Oops, Yes CB550k 1977. I updated the title.
Well I've heard OE gaskets don't but the Vesrah I purchased might?

[goldarrow]

Don't need it still, but if for peace of mind, use hondabond sparingly. 

[flatlander]

you mean that thing that's basically a big o-ring pushed into the groove along the cover, right?
it doesn't really need anything. if you find later that it leaks you can still remove it relatively easily (compared to the head at least) but then i'd look for the reason of the leak as there shouldn't be any if the surfaces and gasket are in good shape.

[calj737]

Yes, the cover can come off easily, but then you have to adjust your valves again. Stock it didn't use any sealant. But, I've used a very thin coat of Hondabond (different brand) as insurance. 40 year old cast alloy is hard to expect to be perfect.

[Tews19]

Yes, the cover can come off easily, but then you have to adjust your valves again. Stock it didn't use any sealant. But, I've used a very thin coat of Hondabond (different brand) as insurance. 40 year old cast alloy is hard to expect to be perfect.

I used sealant when I put mine back together. I am around several hundred miles and not a drop of oil...... This time around!

[Duanob]

I used sealant around the pucks but not the long o-ring gasket. If it's leaking for some reason make sure your crank vent tube isn't blocked or pinched and has air flow out of the crank case.