Question for all you Engine Rebuilders

[Polaris2007 4]

I am in the process of reassembling my "new" K301 now that I have it back from the machine shop. Freshly bored, all new inards, etc. I have the crank in, and I'm in the process of measuring the end play on the crank shaft. The gasket set comes with one thick gasket, and three thin paper "shims" for use in adjusting the end play. When i use the gasket and 1 shim, I get .012" of end play, which falls nicely in the middle of the allowed .003" to .020". My issue is, if I take it apart and coat the gasket and shim with gasket goop, it might change my endplay, and it is just a pain in the butt because it is so messy. Has anyone tried putting the bearing plate gasket and shim(s) in dry, with no RTV sealant or gasket shellack? Am i asking for a leak if I try it?? :)

[oldredrider 2,553]

Gasket goop is NOT needed when reassembling the bearing plate. It won't leak if your mating surfaces are smooth and clean. Besides, if you have to get into it at a later date, cleaning that stuff off aluminum is a pain in the butt!

[VinsRJ 723]

I only put a little goop on the bearing plate bolt threads.

[sorekiwi 761]

Yep, what Vince said.

I leave the (side cover) gaskets dry, and put a little goop on the threads of the bolts. I also use real washers on those bolts. not the copper washers (hence the goop).

I dont think that putting sealer on the gaskets would change the end play much, but it would be a PITA putting it on 3 gaskets or so. Also, once I get it assembled, and the end float where I want it, I really dont want to tear it apart again.

[buckrancher 2,694]

Never used anything on the end plate gaskets or bolts (that's what the copper washers are for) have not had one leak yet

Be sure all mating surfaces are clean and burr free :)

[WH nut 553]

Never use goop on any gasket

[Polaris2007 4]

Hmmm. Copper washers on the four bolts that bolt the bearing plate to the block??? My engine just had regular run of the mill split lock washers on those bolts. The threaded holes in the block that the four bolts screw into are blind holes...they are not open to the crank case, so why do you need copper washers or goop on the bolt threads to seal them if they are not exposed to oil? I suppose if oil somehow got by the gasket right around the bolts, it could then travel out the threads and leak around the bolt's head. But if you count on the gasked to seal without goop all along the perimeter of the crank case and not leak oil, why would you not trust it to do the same thing around the bolt, where the clamping pressure on the gasket is greatest? :)