making gaskets

[JimmyJazz]

Hi guys.

Not holden related but a general question. I've just got a project motorbike and apparently getting some of the gaskets for the thing is going to be a bit of a hassle. What are peoples experiances with making their own gaskets? Is it as simple as popping out the old gasket, tracing the outlines onto gasket paper / cork / rubber and then scalpeling the new gasket out? Anyone know of a good supplier for the stuff in Melbourne? (also, good suppliers for bike parts would be handy!)

Cheers,
James

[Blacky]

Making gaskets is a piece of cake , except maybe head gaskets .
Get gasket paper , cork , etc from Coventrys , Repco , etc . As for parts for your bike , the make of the bloody thing might help

[newman]

Hi mate,

Making gaskets is pretty easy and handy to know if you can't source an original,
1. Smear light oil onto surface that gasket is needed, lay gasket paper/cork over it and press down for oil to leave imprint.Before cutting it out make sure you punch out where the bolt holes are with wad punches first, always cut out the centre when starting to cut the gasket out and then the outside.

OR

2. Smaller gaskets e.g. thermostat housing, clamp part in vice with gasket surface pointing up, lay gasket material over entire area and with a small ball pein hammer gently tap around the edges of the part to form the gasket.
I'm sure with practice you'll soon get the hang of it

Cheers Mick

[JimmyJazz]

Making gaskets is a piece of cake , except maybe head gaskets .
As for parts for your bike , the make of the bloody thing might help

er, yep. its a 1980 yamaha xs 250

[Trev]

My advise would be don't spend too much on the XS 250, you will want a power upgrade in the not too distant future (been there, seized the 250 done that ).

[tm 50]

Hi guys.

Anyone know of a good supplier for the stuff in Melbourne? (also, good suppliers for bike parts would be handy!)

Cheers,
James

South Eastern gaskets, in Mordiallic , ask for katrina
Global motorcylce wreckers in dandenong , ask for Adam
If the gasket is complex get me the material and i will laser or waterjet cut it

Regards Tony

[suavemechanic]

thats a really good offer !
we got a sheet of head gasket material for an old 1940 s car
banging out the cylinder holes with side cutters wasnt as easy as we thought it would be....
i find the back cover of the yellow pages is perfect for most other jobs