HarleyTechTalk

Hi All. New here. I have a 02 1200 sporty that I got on the cheap with some extra stuff. Had an oil leak so I tore it down. The gaskets that I have are genuine james with MLS head gaskets. Some of the gaskets have a red silicone bead. No instructions as usual so I'm hoping they are non directional. I chose red bead up. Question is these don't look normal to me...should the red bead stick out this much from underneath the jugs? Everything fit pretty snug as these do not use the rings for the pins. Always used cometics but this is what I had with this bike and I've seen this name everywhere so...why not. The base gasket is metal with that bead so seemed better than the old paper. Any advice? It's all torqued down now but not back in the bike yet. Hate to start over and spend more $$ if these are ok. Thanks.You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.

Bead only on one side of the James Base Gasket? Okay, assuming they were the right ones for your Sporty.

Moving on,....don't panic and others with much more experience than me will chime in if I'm wrong but typically the bead side goes on the wet side - in this base gasket case, downward. Again...don't panic. It will not cause any damage but might get a bit messy when hot and that's about it - assuming you ensured no holes were covered over.

If it were me and I was sure they were installed correctly except for the bead-side down and I didn't want to tear it down again, I'd run 'er to see what happens. But that's me.

But they are "bulging", aren't they?
Did you use James' specified Torque values? They really aren't overtightened, right? you wouldn't be the first to do so if you did.

Not picking your work apart, Bailley in fact, good on ya for doing your own, just asking where information was not shared.

Thanks for the info. I'll tear it down and do it right if that's the case. Just didn't want to do that until I found out for sure. I used the part numbers on box to find exact parts for the set I have in order to find instructions.  The James instructions are for head torque only. Nothing for orientation. And they are torqued to spec 42lbs on last torque. 

Quote from: Tacocaster on January 19, 2025, 03:54:44 PMBead only on one side of the James Base Gasket? Okay, assuming they were the right ones for your Sporty.

Moving on,....don't panic and others with much more experience than me will chime in if I'm wrong but typically the bead side goes on the wet side - in this base gasket case, downward. Again...don't panic. It will not cause any damage but might get a bit messy when hot and that's about it - assuming you ensured no holes were covered over.

If it were me and I was sure they were installed correctly except for the bead-side down and I didn't want to tear it down again, I'd run 'er to see what happens. But that's me.

But they are "bulging", aren't they?
Did you use James' specified Torque values? They really aren't overtightened, right? you wouldn't be the first to do so if you did.

Not picking your work apart, Bailley in fact, good on ya for doing your own, just asking where information was not shared.

Thanks for reply. Torqued to 42lbs for final. James (instructions from file i found for this kit) mentions nothing about which side is up. I saw a few install videos where guys used similar gaskets (red beaded) and they put the base gasket bead up....idk. should have just got the cometics that I'm used to using.  Live and learn. Gonna try to find some info.

I don't think it matters which side is up. There's as much of a chance that oil can reach either side of the gasket.

Before taking it apart I'd call James Gasket and ask them what they intended for the installation.

Quote from: Ohio HD on January 20, 2025, 04:40:46 PMI don't think it matters which side is up. There's as much of a chance that oil can reach either side of the gasket.

Before taking it apart I'd call James Gasket and ask them what they intended for the installation.

THANK YOU!!! Couldn't find any contact info on their page. Just a catalog.  Thank u.

IMO. While you have it apart, why don't you install a set of "PIG TAILS" in the cylinders. This will guarantee a NO leak/weep base problem. Easy to install.  
MID-USA Motorcycle part # 60146, or Pig Tail direct.
John

Quote from: Bailey0472 on January 20, 2025, 05:12:00 PM

Quote from: Ohio HD on January 20, 2025, 04:40:46 PMI don't think it matters which side is up. There's as much of a chance that oil can reach either side of the gasket.

Before taking it apart I'd call James Gasket and ask them what they intended for the installation.

THANK YOU!!! Couldn't find any contact info on their page. Just a catalog.  Thank u.

Well, one thing for sure if it's bead down it won't show like it does now.  That may be the clue to which side is supposed to be up.  Pigtails   An opportunity often overlooked.

IIRC,do you really have a choice? Doesn't they fit only one way?

Who or what is "pigtails" ? Google was no help.

Quote from: CarlosGGodfrog on January 22, 2025, 06:39:51 AMWho or what is "pigtails" ? Google was no help.

As John stated, look at MID-USA.

https://mid-usa.com/60145-hardware-base-gasket-bypass-pigtail-kit-for-big-twin--sportster

somehow I missed that. How do they work ?

Quote from: CarlosGGodfrog on January 23, 2025, 03:24:40 AMsomehow I missed that. How do they work ?

Tap the cylinder oil returns and thread the pigtail in. The oil goes through the pigtail and into the case right past the base gasket.

Thanks.

I have never heard of these. I will definitely look these up. Sent a msg to James and called...email doesn't work and I sent the email a week ago still no reply. Thanks 

Yep. They only fit one way but I've never seen gaskets fit outside the jugs like this. If the silicone bead is what seals it and it's no where near the inner portion of the stud hole. Not sure. Was hoping someone from James would get back with me. Have you guys ever seen gaskets sit like this? 

Maybe they are for the newer motor.