Left Engine Case Cover Gasket: What's the purpose?

[patentgeek]

What's the purpose of the left engine case cover gasket? The 1970 engine that came in my Redline frame bike didn't have one, but the parts diagram shows there's supposed to be one there. Easy enough to order and install, I'm just curious.

 

[Exploding Coffin Emporium]

One reason I can imagine is to mate the two surfaces better thus not allowing water/dirt/etc in.

 

[gggGary]

The thickness helps best clutch worm operation. Note the XS1 and 1B use a different gasket than all the later years.

 

[patentgeek]

The thickness helps best clutch worm operation.

How so? Gasket thickness is minimal, and clutch free play is adjustable.

 

[gggGary]

How so? Gasket thickness is minimal, and clutch free play is adjustable.

Mebby it was just hmm clutch freeplay is wrong, crap forgot the gasket.

 

[5twins]

I think it's there mostly to keep water out of the alternator area, well most of it anyway, lol. It's not sealed 100% and there are some drain slots to let water out should much get in.