I'm gonna replace my valve cover gasket on a 06' Sportsman 500 EFI HO. Is there any type of adhesive that i need to use before putting the new one back on?

 

If using the OEM they are put on dry from the factory,BUT when I changed gaskets, I used just a very thin film of 1104 Threebond(same basic product as "Yamabond" from the old days) around a new gasket. I HATED leaks of any kind anywhere! OPT

 

Is there anything I can use from a hardware store OPT?

 

Look for any sealant that is oil resistant. They still have good old Permatex (nasty stuff) and other type gasket sealants. The BEST sealant in my opinion called 'hallemier" (NOT the right spelling!!) available at Auto Zone,O'Reilly's,Napa,etc. Its a blue type sealant in a small tube,used a lot by Rolls,Mercedes Benz originally. OPT

 

Thanks OPT. Is the valve cover difficult to remove? The way it looks i just take out the half dozen bolts and it should pop off correct?

 

Not sure how the 500's are set up but make sure it's not the pcv breather on the top that's leakin...I originally thought it was a valve cover gasket on my 700 but after a closer look it appears to be the breather on the top leaking oil down...Just a thought...
I am gonna replace mine with a billet one ....The stock ones are plastic and seem to warp after some time...
John

 

Just eight 8 mm bolts to remove and cover will come right off. OPT