[mk3atvs]

I bought a 2005 Honda Recon 250 ES that was completely torn down in pieces in a box. I have just about got all the engine parts I need to put it back together, but am a little uncertain about the process of installing the gasket kit. Do I need to put a sealant on one half of the case and just lay the gasket on it after it dries or do I need to put sealant on both sides? What is a recommended sealant to use?
This is my first rebuild from scratch so if anyone has any other suggestions or shortcuts it would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Helmut]

I bought a 2005 Honda Recon 250 ES that was completely torn down in pieces in a box. I have just about got all the engine parts I need to put it back together, but am a little uncertain about the process of installing the gasket kit. Do I need to put a sealant on one half of the case and just lay the gasket on it after it dries or do I need to put sealant on both sides? What is a recommended sealant to use?
This is my first rebuild from scratch so if anyone has any other suggestions or shortcuts it would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Kevin

Welcome to the forums. Hondabond is the best sealant to use. Some people put sealant on one side of the gasket, but I usually use sealant on both sides. I usually put the sealant on and wait to it's almost dry, just a little sticky and then I reassemble the parts.

 

[mk3atvs]

Hello Helmut,
I was thinking of using the Hondabond, but won't that make it hard to separate the cases if I have to in the future?
Thanks,
Kevin

 

[ostrx250]

welcome mk3atvs

 

[Helmut]

Hello Helmut,
I was thinking of using the Hondabond, but won't that make it hard to separate the cases if I have to in the future?
Thanks,
Kevin

It's really not that hard to separate, but your gasket will come off in pieces and it will be a little harder to scrape the old gasket off, but it's better protection against leakage. I've never had a leak doing that.

If you use RTV sealant, the excess can dry and break off inside the engine and stop the oil pump up. RTV sealant drys rubbery and Hondabond stays pliable. It's hard to stop an oil pump up with Hondabond unless you just use way too much.

 

[mk3atvs]

Ok, I will pick up some of the Hondabond. I noticed that there are some dings around the perimeter of the case sealing area. Will the Hondabond help make certain everything seals?
Thanks,

 

[Helmut]

Ok, I will pick up some of the Hondabond. I noticed that there are some dings around the perimeter of the case sealing area. Will the Hondabond help make certain everything seals?
Thanks,

That's exactly why I like to use Hondabond on both sides of the gaskets, because it will seal any scratches and gouges that you might make in the case when you scrape the old gasket off, unless the gouges are real deep.

You can actually just use Hondabond and not even have to use gaskets and it will seal, but I recommend using a gasket if there was a gasket there originally.

 

[mk3atvs]

Any particular method of putting the Hondabond on? Do you brush it on the crankcase or just put a small narrow bead on it or do you do the brushing or bead on the actual gasket?
Thanks,

 

[Helmut]

Any particular method of putting the Hondabond on? Do you brush it on the crankcase or just put a small narrow bead on it or do you do the brushing or bead on the actual gasket?
Thanks,

I usually just brush it on. Sometimes I put it on the gasket and sometimes on the edge of the case or side cover. It don't really matter, just whatever is easiest. That stuff works good no matter how you put it on.

 

[mk3atvs]

I see that there is a Hondabond 4 and a HT version. Which should I use?

 

[Helmut]

I see that there is a Hondabond 4 and a HT version. Which should I use?

The only kind that I have ever used is the Hondabond 4 and it has worked great every time. I've never had a leak. It's also a little cheaper than the HT.