New style clutch cover gasket

[Tech23]

I have the new style derby/clutch cover gasket, that replaces the old style quad ring. The new style gasket does not appear to be perforated at the center. Is the center portion (with the text "this side towards clutch") supposed to be removed prior to installation?

[Jeffytune]

No, just make sure it is facing the right way as you install it.

I changed the cover on my 2007 with a custom one made for the earlier one, all I needed to do was use this gasket.

[Marty59]

Not to highjack your thread - I just removed the solid gasket that came with my flame clutch cover. My local indy sold me a ring style gasket (i think it's made by cometic?)- saying that the MoCo just went back to the ring versus solid gasket. Is that true? Is there an advantage to one over the other? I don't want any leaks.

[Butch Usner]

HD now use's a quad o-ring for the 06 and up Dyna's, the 07 and up softtail and touring models. The primary cover and derby cover are different design. Now when you switch the derby cover on these models you must use the disc gasket. You still use the disc gasket on the 05 and older Dyna's and 06 and older touring/softail models....

[Marty59]

Thanks B U - I'll get a disk gasket.

[Tech23]

Originally Posted by Marty59

Not to highjack your thread - I just removed the solid gasket that came with my flame clutch cover. My local indy sold me a ring style gasket (i think it's made by cometic?)- saying that the MoCo just went back to the ring versus solid gasket. Is that true? Is there an advantage to one over the other? I don't want any leaks.

Not a highjack, the reason I ask about weather or not to remove the center of the new style clutch cover gasket is:

1.) My gasket does not have a perforation to "punch out" the center material (marked with this side toward clutch). Being a solid gasket, rather than a perimeter gasket would mean that the primary oil would not be able to get to the back (outer) side of the gasket. This would mean the gasket could only develop a leak from the inner sealing surface, rather than both sealing surfaces.

2.) I was doing a search on the VPC clutch, and found a Tech. article on the installation of the variable pressure clutch. In the article (with pictures) they were using the new style clutch cover gasket. In one of the pictures they show the new style gasket. In that picture, it looks to me like the gasket center part could be removed. The pic is vague and subject to interpretation. The picture makes it look as though the gasket was cut or perforated from the factory for easy removal of the part marked "this side toward clutch".

3.) With the VPC clutch installed, I could see the need for the center portion of the gasket being removed, for clearance.

Back to my original question.... is this center portion of the clutch cover gasket marked "this side toward clutch" intended to be removed before installation?

I already have the new style gasket on my outer primary cover, and it has stopped the seepage I always had with the "old style" gasket. I like these new style gaskets, and I am sure I won't have any leaks. I just dont know for sure if the clutch cover gasket is supposed to be installed after removing the center portion of the gasket.

Thanks for the replies.......Tech23.

[Butch Usner]

No, do not cut out the center of the disc.... They cut it out for clearance on VPC instalations, only....

[Tech23]

Originally Posted by Butch Usner

No, do not cut out the center of the disc.... They cut it out for clearance on VPC instalations, only....

Thanks everyone for your replies. This makes sense......it would appear that there would certainly be a cheaper way to identify the inboard surface of the gasket, if the center were intended to be removed!!

Tech23.

[RidingJerry]

IMHO the inner portion of the gasket is left in place because the
gasket cutter needs one less die. One less die... one less part to
keep up and replace when worn....cheaper cost to make gasket.

[Tech23]

Originally Posted by RidingJerry

IMHO the inner portion of the gasket is left in place because the
gasket cutter needs one less die. One less die... one less part to
keep up and replace when worn....cheaper cost to make gasket.

Good point, I wonder what expense is involved in printing the bright orange Bar & shield logo, and the bright orange "this side towards clutch" warning. It seems if these cost's were a factor they would just stamp the surface in black ink.

[jimheal]

Just replaced the older "O" ring style selaer with the new solid round paper style and it leaks...yes, the gasket side is facing the clutch basket. I was thinking maybe to try and cure this to re-install the "O" ring and then use the paper gasket over it...anyone ever had a problem with the new gasket type?