Thumper Club Forum

Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: OMEGAMAN on March 02, 2008, 10:12:49 PM

Title: gaskets
Post by: OMEGAMAN on March 02, 2008, 10:12:49 PM

Do I recall seing a debate on this site a while ago about the use of used head gaskets?

I have my race engine to build & have a few decent looking (undamaged) used head gaskets + 1 base gasket that came with it.
Money is running out fast & although it would be nice to use new stuff everywhere, I think? there was an article where somebody mentioned that they painted the gasket with (aluminium?) paint & it worked fine!

Any advice on this is welcome,  ASAP please as time is running out fast!

ps. IF, I have to buy new ones.........WHERE????     & how much should I be paying?

Title: Re: gaskets
Post by: guest18 on March 02, 2008, 10:52:20 PM

I re-use copper head gaskets, no problems after annealing, haven't tried any other sorts though  ???

Title: Re: gaskets
Post by: Steve H on March 03, 2008, 08:04:16 AM

If its a Yamaha 600 single then the best approach is a genuine Yamaha gasket, Fowlers willl have them in stock. Not cheap but less hassle than having to strip it again.

Title: Re: gaskets
Post by: guest295 on March 03, 2008, 08:23:50 AM

The excellent mechanic who did my GB used aluminium paint on the old gasket and it's fine. A new one is very pricey. Let it dry a bit before refitting it. Needless to add, it has to be petrol-proof paint.

Title: Re: gaskets
Post by: Steve H on March 03, 2008, 08:51:38 AM

Quote from: GB500nz on March 03, 2008, 08:23:50 AM

The excellent mechanic who did my GB used aluminium paint on the old gasket and it's fine. A new one is very pricey. Let it dry a bit before refitting it. Needless to add, it has to be petrol-proof paint.

Might be ok for the road, but with a high compression piston and being razzed around a track at high revs, it might not stand up quite so well.

Title: Re: gaskets
Post by: Richard on March 03, 2008, 09:02:18 AM

Don't people just cut out old cornflakes packets any more ?  If you're feeling flash then you could even slice up an old Coca Cola can and anneal it on the stove.

Pah.  I don't need no steenkin head gasket...............head gaskets are for pussies man.

With a hi-compression head even I, cheapskate that I am, would use a real one.  With a two stroke I would risk it as they are so fast to swap, but not an OHC jobby - too much hassle to swap.

Richard

Title: Re: gaskets
Post by: OMEGAMAN on March 03, 2008, 01:22:35 PM

Cheers for that, a genuine new one it is then! (ouch!)

Title: Re: gaskets
Post by: OMEGAMAN on March 03, 2008, 05:42:32 PM

 ???
Apparently,the std. Yam (608cc) would be too small for a tuned (630cc) engine, say's Fowlers!

So I'm back to square one...... :'(

Title: Re: gaskets
Post by: themoudie on March 03, 2008, 10:28:03 PM

Wiseco special ??? Speak with Andy230. I'm little help, as I reduced bore from 634 to 598.

Hope you get fixed, Bill.

Title: Re: gaskets
Post by: guest146 on March 04, 2008, 12:56:01 PM

Using Cardboard to make a gasket is OK but if the thickness is not important you may as well use instant gasket. As for a head gasket if its perfectly flat and has not been tightend onto a surface with rings cut in it to make it seal you may get away with re using it although i would be more carefull on a water cooled engine. Apart from making it look good I cant see how using aluminum paint would help as paint has no substance when given combustion pressures.

Ken