Home made gaskets? Yes or No!

[rockslide]

In spirit of saving money and time I've decided to try making my own gaskets out of Felpro gasket material (gas/oil gasket roll). Does it work? Is it worth it? Will it leak causing more frustration than it's worth? What is your experience on this?

 

[Patches]

I've done it before in a pinch. It depends on the pattern of the gasket but generally it's a pain in the ass to cut out if the pattern is very convoluted. It will work, but I would not use it on anything that has a critical thickness requirement, ie base gasket, head gasket, etc. If you do decide to use it, a paper hole punch speeds up the process and works pretty good for bolt holes. Personally, gasket kits are cheap and worth the time/effort saved.

 

[5twins]

The gaskets for these bikes are readily available and not that expensive, so why bother? If you're careful to do a proper install and removal, most can be re-used several times (no sealer, just oil them).

I guess it's worth mentioning in a gasket thread - DO NOT EVER USE SILICONE on your gaskets or alone. That stuff is for know-nothing rookies and just plain asshole P.O.s. Sorry, I just needed to vent, lol.

 

[Grinder]

Are gray gaskets available? I hate those ugly green one's from Mike's.

 

[xander18]

The gaskets for these bikes are readily available and not that expensive, so why bother? If you're careful to do a proper install and removal, most can be re-used several times (no sealer, just oil them).

I guess it's worth mentioning in a gasket thread - DO NOT EVER USE SILICONE on your gaskets or alone. That stuff is for know-nothing rookies and just plain asshole P.O.s. Sorry, I just needed to vent, lol.

Silicone (RTV) is one of those tools that has a time and a place but gets a bad rap for being used in the wrong application. In a pinch, I've limped home on luck, prayers, and Permatex products when by all rights I should have been stranded. I agree that it shouldn't be used on a proper rebuild but just saying that it's not all bad!

 

[Purplezinger]

I agree, RTV is useful for some things but not gaskets. I use Super Lube grease. Really good stuff.

 

[rockslide]

<<trying to upload a pic>>... taking bets ... will it leak or will it hold? After cutting the pattern I GENTLY used a drill to create the bolt holes (thus the wood beneath the oil pan)...

 

[5twins]

Use a torque wrench on the pan bolts so they're all tightened equally. That's the best bet for a leak-free install. I do mine @ 80 in/lbs.

 

[rockslide]

I will torque them down evenly - thanks for the advice!!