Timing Chain Cover Questions

[VFR750]

I have used 574 on the paper gaskets. Thin coating on both sides of the gasket.

On the cam box and cam cover gaskets. Also the breather cover on top.

This has worked very well. Removal really isn’t super hard. I tap the joint with a plastic mallet to stress the bond with a shock load

I use 574 because the surfaces are almost 40 years old. They are not smooth, like new. They are imperfect.

I did not use the 574 on my first build. And the cam boxes weeped oil. Disassembled, cleaned the surfaces by scraping with a .009” thick single edge blade. Washed the surfaces with solvent followed by isopropyl alcohol. Applied thin layer of 574 to the flange surfaces. Installed cam boxes. No more leaking.

Since then I have done both. Coat the gasket or coat the flange surfaces. I think coating the gasket is a little messy and makes it harder to handle. But it is easier to control the application. Either way works.

So my experience is 574 on the paper gaskets. SOP for me.

[Richey]

I will say almost every car I see on a lift leaks a little bit at the chain housing covers , so I'm in the Loctite 574 camp . I would rather have the covers be more difficult to remove than leak .

[gsxrken]

Originally Posted by VFR750

I have used 574 on the paper gaskets. Thin coating on both sides of the gasket.
On the cam box and cam cover gaskets. Also the breather cover on top.
So my experience is 574 on the paper gaskets. SOP for me.

Henry @ Supertec gave me the same advice a few days ago. Paper gasket? 574 on it for insurance.