Leak down test w/o clutch cover?

[NYSingh]

Slightly ashamed that after owning/tinkering with my RD for ~3-4 years I still have such noob questions, but anyways...

I'm putting back together my engine after taking it apart, replacing all the seals, and having the top end re-done by Mr. Supertune.  Question is, can I perform the leak down test without putting together the entire engine? 

I put it together except for the clutch/kickstart and both side covers.  When I run the leak down test, it's not holding pressure for long - the bubble test seems fine at the intake, base, cylinder heads and stator side of the crankshaft.  But I'm getting bubbles on the other side of the crankshaft when the primary gear pinion is on and hand-tightened (can't figure out how to torque it down without installing the rest of the pieces, so settled for hand-tightened).  I'm assuming the leak down test should still work even without installing all the stuff on the clutch side since the seal on the primary gear is supposed to keep tranny oil from getting sucked into the crank area, but want to check with the experts. Also FYI that oil seal is brand new OEM. So should this leak down test as I'm doing it without all the pieces on still work properly?  I know I could just spend another 20-30 mins to bolt on the rest of the pieces, but trying to save a little time, and am also just curious from a theoretical standpoint.

[m in sc]

you need to torque down the primary gear nut. slip the clutch basket on the input shaft, and use a rag in the gears, (or penny), tighten it up.

[quocle603]

Yep just need the crank seal on the clutch side to perform the leakdown test. Spray it down with soapy water to check if you got a leak there.