[Blitzkrieg]

I just bought my first quad (1986 trx350) I've been looking for this exact model for the past year and finally found one in moderate shape for $1300 Cdn. The guy I bought the quad from just had the motor rebuilt at a shop and it runs great but as I was tearing it apart for its restoration I noticed that it seems the shop used some sort of liquid gasket caulking in place of a proper head gasket. I'm just wondering if this is going to be a problem down the road or if this is a common occurance. It also seems that someone has used silicone caulking in place of a proper gasket where the front diff joins to the axle cover. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Helmut]

It's best to use gaskets if it originally had a gasket. On some parts of the engine, Honda now uses Hondabond sealant. It's a gray colored sealant that looks similar to RTV sealant except stays pliable and it don't dry rubbery like the silicone RTV sealants. The problem with using RTV sealant or silicone on the engine gaskets is that the excess will squeeze out on the inside of the engine and since it drys rubbery, it can stop your oil pump up. If the engine originally used Hondabond on a certain area, then that's what I would use. If the engine originally used a gasket, then I would use a gasket. I would never, under any circumstance, use any kind of sealant, including Hondabond in place of the head gasket. It's OK to use Hondabond on the valve cover gasket as most Hondas came from the factory with Hondabond used in place of a valve cover gasket.

You can get Hondabond at your local Honda dealer. I just bought a tube yesterday and it was $6.19 plus tax, so it's about the same price as a tube of RTV sealant, anyway.

On the older models, such as the 350 Foreman, I can't remember if Honda used the Hondabond. They may have used all gaskets on the engines back then.

 

[123456789]

if it takes a gasket use a gasket and if it calls for the hondabond use hondabond. never ever use that silicone sealer. i have seen the silicone plug oil screens and oil pumps causing the motor to fail. NEVER EVER EVER EVER USE SILICONE SEALER!!!

 

[TRX2fiveO]

Agree 100% ^^^^^^^

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Thank's for the input everyone, I'll take a closer look later today. Thinking back to last time I was at the garage though it may have only been the valve cover that had the liquid gasket. I dont believe it was silicone on the engine but the stuff used to seal the rear diff was definately silicone.

 

[ostrx250]

hmm ive never seen a liquid head gasket seen it almost everywhere else but my experience is mostly cars

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Well I went to the garage today and I feel a little silly. It wasn't the head gasket that had the sealant, it was the valve cover and it definately looks like the proper stuff. The head gasket is proper and looks brand new. I'm still a little dissapointed that the shop neglected to install the top engine hangers but hey, noones perfect :icon_ goofy: I'll have to make those myself next week. Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[shadetree]

as stated..never ever use slicone for a head gasket..as for the differentals..yes..use hondabond or yamahabond..if you have any questions on this model..let me know..as i just restored my ' 89 trx350d foreman..from 86 to 89 they are pretty much the same bike..as for the engines anyway.