Aftermarket (ebay) gaskets

[meteorgnome]

I'm in the beginning stages of tearing my 1979 Xs750 apart- had a gnarly transmission issue that stopped me riding last year; Pretty sure it's a bent shift fork or
some other damage to the gears- so it's gearbox surgery time.

I'm looking at my normal parts stores (mikesxs, partzilla) and realizing that It's going to be some trouble finding all of the gaskets I need.

I've never used any aftermarket gaskets before. How save is it buying off of ebay? Or are there other sources I'm not aware of I should be checking first?

So far the only one out of stock in both spaces is the clutch side crankcase cover gasket.

 

[Jim]

Whatever you decide to do, don't get the green Athena gaskets, they're junk!!

 

[Jim]

Forgot to add, yes, Ebay's gonna be your best bet.

 

[GLJ]

You don't want to buy individual gaskets, you want a gasket set.
Links below go to NE brand sets. I have never used them. They look like complete complete sets and have valve guide seals.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2357905842...XRY81YtZU7yQTxuTdAoXTvMi7g==|tkp:BFBM9qSus7Vl
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1614755839...F0Lc4iaaldWXWD7pVHlcyhwg==|tkp:Bk9SR_akrrO1ZQ

 

[jetmechmarty]

Most of the gaskets I have here are Vesrah. I have no complaint with them. I do a wide search and get them where I can get the best deal. They're Vesrah. Carburetor float bowl gaskets can also be an issue. Some are great. Some interfere with the floats. Hopefully, someone can comment on which is which. I've lost the packaging.

 

[Jim]

Cruzinimage are a good source of Japanese made (read that, not Chinese junk) parts. Never ordered his gasket set, but very happy with everything else I've bought from him. Pretty good price too.

https://www.cruzinimage.net/2017/12/15/yamaha-xs650-engine-gasket-set/

 

[5twins]

Many of us are using this set. It's old stock, yes, but there have been no complaints yet that I've seen, price is good too .....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266836810540

Yes, stay away from the Athena set if possible. The head gasket is thicker than stock so you lose a little compression and probably power as a result. And, they only seem to last about 10 years, then start leaking, even if you kept the head torqued. The head gasket in the kit I linked to matches the thickness of the original.

 

[meteorgnome]

Awesome. Super helpful info everyone.

 

[GLJ]

I've used the sets 5twins refers to. I like them, they have worked well. It is best to grease both sides of them with red grease at least a hour before you use them. Don't grease the head gasket.

 

[Grimly]

Links below go to NE brand sets.

I used an NE gasket set on my GS and had no trouble in six years.
However, I found an OEM base gasket and used that, all others were NE.
In fact, I got an NE gasket set for the XS, but not used it yet.

 

[Wingedwheel]

They’ve gone up in price since the last ones I’ve bought but still a good deal. Check the head gasket for rust if it sits on the shelf for a minute.

 

[Wingedwheel]

I think I used a gasket out of the complete set I had so I offered $25 and now have another gasket set headed my way.

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

Many of us are using this set. It's old stock, yes, but there have been no complaints yet that I've seen, price is good too .....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266836810540

Yes, stay away from the Athena set if possible. The head gasket is thicker than stock so you lose a little compression and probably power as a result. And, they only seem to last about 10 years, then start leaking, even if you kept the head torqued. The head gasket in the kit I linked to matches the thickness of the original.

I just picked up one of these just for spares (not a rebuild) since I've got four XS650's. $25 and free shipping can't be beat, but the head gasket is totally rusted and useless, FYI for those looking for a rebuild gasket set.



.

 

[Wingedwheel]

I checked the ones I had in stash and the head gaskets had some light surface rust ( no pitting) but I was able to clean them up and once I coated them with copper coat, they were fine, but I know what you’re talking about