James gaskets?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 1,046
From: Southwest Desert
I've never had a problem with James's gaskets. I like their intake seals and gaskets especially. I've used their primary gaskets and seals on my two Softail's for years. I have also opened the primary's and re used them. I've replaced two transmission cover plate gaskets as well. I use Hylomar on any gasket that controls oil leaks except for the Oil pump. There I use white lithium grease. The dealers also use Hylomar. Maybe that why their gaskets don't leak. The stuff works great! Neither of my Evo's leak a drop...I did open up the rocker boxes a few years back. I used HD OEM gaskets which sealed perfectly. I even replaced the fiber washers under the top rocker cover washers.
You cant go wrong with Harley-Davidson OEM gaskets. If they are leaking, then there is something else that needs to be fixed. Be careful to thoroughly clean your mating surfaces, and don't scratch them up while doing so. Remove all traces of the old gaskets. Use NO metal scrapers, wire brushes, or razor blades...And just as important, torque all fasteners in the correct order, and to the correct specifications in the factory service manual..!
You cant go wrong with Harley-Davidson OEM gaskets. If they are leaking, then there is something else that needs to be fixed. Be careful to thoroughly clean your mating surfaces, and don't scratch them up while doing so. Remove all traces of the old gaskets. Use NO metal scrapers, wire brushes, or razor blades...And just as important, torque all fasteners in the correct order, and to the correct specifications in the factory service manual..!
Last edited by SirHarley; May 23, 2022 at 12:20 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17,931
Likes: 3,564
From: backwoods
COmetic was doing double lip seals first. There is bulletin telling dealers to use single lip first
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,077
Likes: 11,099
From: San Diego, CA
I have been buying Cyco Gaskets for a couple years now, except for head gaskets. It's an old habit but I use Cometic for those...
For primary, cam chest, rocker boxes, o-rings, etc... they make quality stuff that I've never had an issue with...
https://cycogasket.com/twin-cam.html
For primary, cam chest, rocker boxes, o-rings, etc... they make quality stuff that I've never had an issue with...
https://cycogasket.com/twin-cam.html
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,104
Likes: 51,374
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 420
Likes: 201
I installed one of their PRIMARY cover gasket and a CHAIN inspection gasket and BOTH of them leak. The chain inspection gasket I removed and cleaned then applied "the right stuff" and this time it stopped leaking.
Have not done anything with the primary YET. I've used harley primary before with no leaks. Also I noticed the James primary gasket did not line up PERFECT.
Also I used the manual instructions to install.
Have not done anything with the primary YET. I've used harley primary before with no leaks. Also I noticed the James primary gasket did not line up PERFECT.
Also I used the manual instructions to install.
Last edited by pointblank; May 23, 2022 at 02:47 PM.
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,459
Likes: 8,291
From: Inland NW
Damn it! i bought a James Primary gasket, because it was all that was available last fall when I wanted to do my ramp upgrade.
I really hope the damn thing doesn't leak, I love their exhaust gaskets, they are great. Only James gaskets I ever bought 'till now
I really hope the damn thing doesn't leak, I love their exhaust gaskets, they are great. Only James gaskets I ever bought 'till now
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17,931
Likes: 3,564
From: backwoods
My chain inspection gasket is probably 10 years old. Never leaked. Maybe cometic. I've reused primaries too. Never used James. But I got a set that came with a kit, but I already had a cometic engine set.