Page 1 of 1

Rocker box - silver paint or gasket?

PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2021 10:39 pm
by jOe
The book calls for silver paint for rocker box to cylinder head. Gaskets aren’t depicted or mentioned in the book. Yet rocker box gaskets are always included in gasket sets. ? We’re gaskets used in post 1969 applications? Just wondering.

Re: Rocker box - silver paint or gasket?

PostPosted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 3:30 pm
by chuckthebeatertruck
AFAIK, rocker gaskets start with 1000cc motors.

Gasket sets often include extra stuff.


Many rockers get damaged . . and gaskets keep leaks at bay for those not wanting to resurface.

Re: Rocker box - silver paint or gasket?

PostPosted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 4:23 pm
by dlxl66elxl
I use either Yamaha Bond or clear silicon. Both work well.

Re: Rocker box - silver paint or gasket?

PostPosted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 5:29 pm
by jOe
I have an ancient can of silver paint for the purpose that I’ve been using for a long time. Same stuff I used on K heads. Silicone? Mike was always adamant about not using it anywhere on the motor. As I recall, the only rocker box leaks I had were with gaskets.

Re: Rocker box - silver paint or gasket?

PostPosted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 5:43 pm
by dlxl66elxl
Yes Mike had a point, never use the stuff where it has a chance of getting into oil passages. My XR750 builder buddies put me on to the silicon, a very thin layer. They used it as they were constantly rebuilding motors.

Re: Rocker box - silver paint or gasket?

PostPosted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 6:12 pm
by chuckthebeatertruck
There are several different grades of yamabond or three bond (same company)

1100 series is what we want for motorcycles -- non hardening liquid gasket.

1200 series is also sold with the same "names" but is silicone RTV. Very different but the packaging looks nearly identical.

Re: Rocker box - silver paint or gasket?

PostPosted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 6:17 pm
by jOe
What’s the torque on the rocker box bolts? 22ft/lb?