sealant on alternator gasket
 

hi guys need to replace alternator gasket after ignition problems ,see cdi post , bike shop says to grease gasket , do you guys do this or use sealer on gasket (if so what type) zigzag

If it's a paper gasket.. Just clean surfaces and replace the gasket with a new one. If the cases are chewed, chipped or uneven, a smear of sealant will help.

If it's a steel gasket, you should replace it but they're expensive and you can just use a bit liquid gasket on both sides of the gasket and clamp it up. It wont leak if you spread the sealant around properly. You only need a very thin smear really.

Hylomar Universal blue or similar will work fine.

I did this with a thin paper gasket for the alternator; the grease was applied very sparingly on all of one face of the gasket to hold the very thin paper in the correct position while bolting on the alternator cover.
Otherwise, the paper can tend to crease between the bolt holes.

A light smear of grease on both sides of a paper gasket is the traditional way of doing it. It means the gasket doesn't stick to the surfaces so when you dismantle it usually comes off in one piece so you can reuse it. Very useful if you are doing repairs when gaskets are not easily available (also save a lot of surfaces cleaning up time even if you have a new gasket to hand). I only use sealant where the face are badly damaged and my rule of thumb is if in doubt not to use any. As Ted says, if you do use sealant use minimum amount - remember any excess has to go somewhere and in you engine oilways is not good

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I have used sealant only, try a oil resistant rtv (Ultra Black) or Loctite 515.
I generally carry a tube of 515 in my tool bag, plastic tube doesn't puncture easily from tool vibrations, cures with pressure & time easily removed from parts when repairs are needed.

The BEST sealants are the ones we had to use at BMW.

Dow Corning.

Be prepared to fall off your chair with the price though. £40 a tube.

I've not known anything work better though. I use it when I split crank cases and can't risk a weep.

hi guys thanks for your replys not done the gasket yet but sounds like grease both sides, but a little sealer around the wires (grommet area ) zigzag:thumbup1: