QuestionI own a '87 Honda VF700C Magna with appox 13,000 miles and am performing (to my knowledge) it's first valve adjustment. (When I asked the privious owner if he'd ever adjusted the valves, he said no, they're self adjusters.)
Simple question actually, but I couldn't find the answer in the Honda Service Manual:
The Cylinder Head Covers have rubber gaskets that have held up well, and I was going to reuse them. However, at dissasembly, I noticed there was a small amount of black RTV/silicone used. They (the factory?) was a bit sloppy, as there was a bit of extra silcone on the cam towers, retaining bolts, etc. (Which I've scrapped off.) The gaskets stayed in the covers when I removed them from the engine. Do I need to use silcone or gasket eliminator at reassembly? If so, how much? I hessitate to use it, because I don't want to make a mess of the valve train again. It's a tight squeeze fitting the rear bank cover on, and I can't help but think I'll be making a mess with the RTV.
Any help/tips you can provide would be appriciated.
Thanks!
Mike
MnD_Mich@centurytel.net
AnswerHi Mike,
It's a buyer beware market, for sure.
Use Honda Bond only if leaks are evident around the cam end caps and valve cover bolts. I would just replace the pesky items if leaking. I rarely used any sealant on valve cover gaskets.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
