Is the quality of the gaskets any good? Anybody ever use them?

 

I don't like their cam or primary cover gaskets.
If at all possible, use Harley gaskets. It is one thing they do really well.

 

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..!

 

COmetic was doing double lip seals first. There is bulletin telling dealers to use single lip first

 

Except for their head gaskets, I didn't have any luck with any of their cover gaskets. Cam, Primary, or rockers. Just my experience.

 

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

 

Harley OEM
Cometic MLS
James

In that that order.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.