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Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
Hey all. Does this look right? 2002 1200 sportster that previously had an oil leak. I just got it and tore it down. The gaskets that came with are a top end genuine james gasket set. I've used cometics in the past but never these. These are MLS with a red silicone bead. Naturally no instructions. I googled and youtubed trying to find something and got a little info but after putting these on they don't look right to me. I know the cometics stick out from under the jugs a little but the red bead on these throws me off. They fit square. Any advice besides do it over bc they're not cometics? I used them bc it's what I had. Never used them before but I see them everywhere so I figured give it a shot. If they are really bad then I'll rip them out and buy new ones if necessary. Thanks.
These are the same gaskets that i installed according to the part numbers.
Last edited by Timberjkd; Jan 19, 2025 at 12:17 PM.
I'm not a Sportster guy. So, If you post this over in the Sportster section you are more apt to get a good response.
And in all honesty, I never use James's gaskets. I Always Cometic MLS...
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Jan 21, 2025 at 07:06 PM.
if they are on correctly and seal, then if you do not like the sight, trim it off with an exacto knife. i assume you did a test fit, some gaskets can fit both ways but fit better in one.
as long as you intalled them in the correct position, they will be fine. I have used them extensively, espescially in the days before cometic was out! they were the brand and style of preference before cometic was out. they will be fine. I dont know about trimming them i never tried, but if i remember the material correctly, trimming them might be a bit difficult,'
I am a sportster guy and have used a lot of these with no negative issues as long as you followed the corecct torque procedures.
marco
if they are on correctly and seal, then if you do not like the sight, trim it off with an exacto knife. i assume you did a test fit, some gaskets can fit both ways but fit better in one.
Originally Posted by marcodarq
as long as you intalled them in the correct position, they will be fine. I have used them extensively, espescially in the days before cometic was out! they were the brand and style of preference before cometic was out. they will be fine. I dont know about trimming them i never tried, but if i remember the material correctly, trimming them might be a bit difficult,'
I am a sportster guy and have used a lot of these with no negative issues as long as you followed the corecct torque procedures.
marco
Thanks guys. I sent an email to James Gaskets and waiting on a reply. They were installed correctly and test fit. They fit snug around the studs and holes. The protrude out both front and rear of both cylinders but only on the pushrod side of motor. Flipping them over makes no difference. Im beginning to think maybe I have a bad batch? According to label on box these are direct oem replacement.
If they are doing the job and installed correctly, then I say leave them alone and get a small artist brush to paint the orange black.
Interested in hearing what James says about it.
Thanks. The motor is still out of the bike. Emailed James Gaskets. BTW this will be the LAST James Anything I ever purchase. No info, no one answers phone and voicemail doesn't work. Emailed them over a week ago still no answer.
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Base gasket question
