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Best practice with gaskets
Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 7:40 pm
by 79XS400F
I was wondering everyone's view on the proper way to install gaskets. Some say to use threebond on all but the head gasket. Others say to keep them dry. I was also wondering what everyone does to make sure a new head-gasket takes. The first time I replaced the XS head gasket it only lasted a few months. The head nuts were lose when I took it back apart, so this time I put the gasket on, did the first torque down, then re-torque them 2 days later. I put about 500 miles on it and I noticed I burn a little bit of oil when I rev the motor up. I'm going to re-torque the head again and see if that fixes it.. It could also be rings or valve seals.
Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:11 pm
by BuzZz
It depends on where the gasket seals, and what it is sealing. Sticking the gasket to one of the mating parts is ussually a good idea, as long as what you use really glues it well. Silicon and similar products can lubricate the gasket and allow it to squeeze out and leak. If you have any doubts, install it dry.
As for head gaskets, you should always torque them down, put a few hours or miles on the motor and re-torque. If the second torqueing seemed to take a fair bit of turning, a third or even forth re-torque is not a bad idea. Same applies to exhaust gaskets.
Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 3:59 am
by Sev
The shop/haynes/clymer/etc manual should tell you what to do with a gasket when you install it. Some are meant to go in dry, some are meant to be lubed, usually the best idea is to do whatever the manual tells you.
Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 3:25 pm
by dablade
When replacing head gaskets, you should check the head for warpage, typically with a precision straight edge and a feeler gauge. Or just take the head to a machine shop and have the thing checked and planed if necessary. They will be able to tell you if it is good.
Although my experience is related primarily to automobiles, I know surface finish quality is becoming a bigger issue on the newer models. Most head gaskets I have installed have been required to be installed dry. However, there are exceptions, Chrysler requires some of their head gaskets to be treated with some kind of spray first- (dodge neon, o.e. gaskets). When in doubt, obtain the manufacturer's service manual. You may find discrepancies in some of the after market publications.
Regards,
Perry