[Craig McClure]

Permatex makes a gray one that's just for sealing up moto cases.

+++1 I use this stuff also, & thanks to it, My 02 Ural doesn't leak yet - running synthetic oil.   The Grey Permatex is Great, just let it cure overnight before refilling..

[mattsz]

http://www.permatex.com/products-2/product-categories/gasketing/specialty-gasket-maker/permatex-motoseal-1-ultimate-gasket-maker-grey-detail

And don't even think about a "bead" of it.  The thinnest film of it smeared along with you finger is plenty.  An actual bead would just squeeze out all over the damn place, half making a mess on the outside, half ending up mixing up with your oil.  A gasket is better for this side because of that oil galley that you don't want to block, but in a pinch this can do if you apply very little.

Scott

Thanks Scott!

I assume you've gotta apply this stuff then get the parts fitted before it sets up.  With a thin layer instead of a bead, what are we talking about here - how much time do we have before it's too dry to create an effective seal?

[Ducati Scotty]

"DIRECTIONS: 1. Make sure that surfaces to be sealed are clean and oil free. 2. Apply a continuous bead of MotoSeal™ 1 to both surfaces of parts to be sealed. 3. Smooth material with small brush. 4. Wait about one (1) minute then mate parts together. 5. Bolt parts using normal torque specifications."

[mattsz]

Hmm... Is that 1 minute a minimum?  How long between that 1-minute wait and when it's too "dry" to be effective?  I've never (yet) reassembled an open engine, but I can easily see me taking longer than one minute to get everything correctly installed, lined up and mated.

Those may be "the directions", but what's practical?

[crock]

Typically you have 15 minutes to get it together.

The other alternative is to use an anaerobic sealant like Loctite 515. You have no time limit with this type of sealant and it is easier to remove when the time comes. It takes some experience and luck to know which sealant will work best for each given application. One thing is for sure, the Loctite 515 will cost more.

[mattsz]

Even I ought to be able to handle 15 minutes... 

[cstorckiii]

Photo of the breather chamber.

[cstorckiii]

And another

[cstorckiii]

#3

[cstorckiii]

And 4

[Ragmas]

I use this or something very similar to make my own gaskets.  http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Gasket-Material-Karropak-Pliable-Chemically-Treated-Fibrous-Sheet-/_/R-FPB3045_0058761886

I have also been known to make gaskets out of manilla folders.

Samgar

[mattsz]

I have also been known to make gaskets out of manilla folders.

In "the old days", when paper was paper, I guess, marine engineers used to stockpile old nautical navigation charts from which to cut gaskets...  maybe they still do?

[crock]

I just read a spec for Loctite 598 black silicone rubber gasket maker that says parts should be assembled within 10 minutes and another for their 5699 Gray that says parts should be assembled within 30 minutes, and then a blurb from one of their tech reps that says all the silicone rubber gasket makers should be assembled within 5 minutes before it "skins over".