1970 XLH, front rocker box started leaking. Bought some new gaskets off flea bay, sorry, and these are beaded on only one side. Should that side go up facing the cover or down facing the cylinder?

Or, would it be wise to just order James gaskets and shelf these. It's not a huge leak, just seeping pretty good.

 

some have had luck with those and the pinto red goes up -

we use the stock paper - as it is all that was available for many years BUT - we use the glue - called ( the right stuff ) by loc tite - what i do is use gloves put a wad into your fingers then smear on both sides of the gasket completely - having a paper towel handy put the gasket into the center end of the paper towel and fold it over the top - change the gloves - now pat the paper towel flat open remove the gasket, put it in another handy paper towel fold and pat it down < as you put it into the third towel you will see it starts to look like a cometic foam gasket - some times it takes 3 or even 4 times to get the right texture to happen - install and tighten the cover - it will not leak now - and it will take a rubber dead blow hammer to remove the cover in the future -- as it is stuck in place and sealed completely

 

Thanks John. I'll try these and see if it hangs tight. If not I'll use your loctite method. Why not just buy cometic gaskets???? And is there a torque spec for the bolts? I have the original SM and it's not real good IMO.

 

Found the torque spec, 20 ft lbs., looking in the wrong spot. The gaskets that were in there looked pretty pathetic and thin. I'll get some riding time in and see how these hold up.

 

my shop was flooded again 3rd time in a 2 weeks just got back sorry missed your question