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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: dgyver on January 06, 2004, 07:19:31 PM

Title: Head & Base Gaskets....how reuseable?
Post by: dgyver on January 06, 2004, 07:19:31 PM
Are the head and base gaskets reuseable?
How many times?
These are the stock thin metal ones, not the copper gaskets.
Title: Head & Base Gaskets....how reuseable?
Post by: Frost on January 06, 2004, 07:20:52 PM
NO
Title: Head & Base Gaskets....how reuseable?
Post by: JamesG on January 06, 2004, 07:33:57 PM
Eh,  you can reuse the OEM steel gaskets.  I don't when I have a choice but I have reused them without problems.  

But when you blow the head gasket and you're spewing oil all over the place, you will know why...
Title: Head & Base Gaskets....how reuseable?
Post by: Bob Broussard on January 06, 2004, 11:05:34 PM
I re-use them all the time with no problem.
The only thing I've done the last couple times is spray copper coat on the head gasket. First I clean the factory coating off with lacquer thinner.
Even without this I've never had a problem EVER. :P
Title: Head & Base Gaskets....how reuseable?
Post by: bob on January 07, 2004, 05:52:36 AM
I've re-used head gaskets several times with 100% success.  I don't think I've ever re-used a head gasket more than once, though.
Generally, I don't use a base gasket.  I just butter it up with Yamabond & slap 'er together.  Gotta make sure the surfaces are clean & smooth, though.  'Course they oughta be clean & smooth whether you you use a gasket or not...
Title: Head & Base Gaskets....how reuseable?
Post by: bob on January 07, 2004, 05:57:38 AM
Hey, Bob Broussard, one more thing.  What are you using for a head gasket on your ultra-high compression engine?  When I built a 13.5:1 engine I was talked into using a copper head gasket & had nothing but problems with it.  It sealed the compression just fine but I couldn't get it to stop leaking oil.  I finally gave up & am planning to go back to an embossed metal (OEM) gasket.  'Course, that means I gotta scrap my o-ringed cylinders & start over.  Opinions have been mixed as to whether the OEM gasket can handle high compression.  What's your experience?
Title: Head & Base Gaskets....how reuseable?
Post by: Bob Broussard on January 07, 2004, 10:10:02 AM
I've never used anything but a stock head gasket, with no problem.
These are steel gaskets, so 13:1 aint gonna blow one out. :mrgreen:
Title: Head & Base Gaskets....how reuseable?
Post by: dgyver on January 07, 2004, 04:28:42 PM
Quote from: Bob BroussardI re-use them all the time with no problem.
The only thing I've done the last couple times is spray copper coat on the head gasket. First I clean the factory coating off with lacquer thinner.
Even without this I've never had a problem EVER. :P

"Copper Coat" what is it and where can I get it? Any auto parts store?
Title: Head & Base Gaskets....how reuseable?
Post by: Blueknyt on January 07, 2004, 07:19:27 PM
Yes, copper coat can be gotten in a bottle and brushed on, or rattle can and sprayed, average cost is about 5$ or so, just got one for myself today.

still looking for a set of stock pistons and cyl.
where is the best place to get 1mm over piston rings and how expensive are they?  i think this was answered before, but couldnt find that thread.
Title: Head & Base Gaskets....how reuseable?
Post by: Bob Broussard on January 08, 2004, 12:01:13 AM
I prefer the spray can of copper coat. Puts a nice even coat on.

Suzuki has 1mm over rings for the stock pistons. I don't know if JE rings would work. I've got some JE rings, so I'll try em out and measure the clearences in the pistons.  :dunno:
Title: Head & Base Gaskets....how reuseable?
Post by: bob on January 08, 2004, 10:24:33 AM
Quote from: Bob BroussardI've never used anything but a stock head gasket, with no problem.
These are steel gaskets, so 13:1 aint gonna blow one out. :mrgreen:

Excellent!   :thumb:
That's what I was hoping to hear.  Maybe this will spur me on to actually get back to work on the thing!   :?