7 replies to this topic

[L.Hurst]

Basically I came across a few videos on youtube about how to make your own gaskets etc, and it got me wondering.

And I ordered a head gasket kit from mini spares, and I havent got a clue what most of them are for, as there are about 5 the same of different shapes, and none of them fit anything, water valve tap, oil pump, gearbox to engine block, nothing.

And also a company off Ebay is messing me around as I tried to order another engine gasket set.

After getting annoyed with them, I was just wondering has any one made there own gaskets when building engine?

and

Are they up to the job, as my engine is a 1380. I wouldnt think so as its a high bore but just wondering if people have.

Of course, head gasket, manifold, rocker cover etc all have specific gaskets, anyway just wondering.

Cheers!

[Guess-Works.com]

For auxiliaries yes, make your own by all means, however the head gasket is not something you will be able to make as it's a composite of many materials and 4 fire rings.

Some gaskets will require different thickness's of gasket paper to get them right, but in the past I've made thermostat gaskets from all sorts including cornflakes packets...

[Asphalt]

That's why I don't buy gasket kits anymore... There are just too many different types of engines and ancilliarys to make a 'one fits all' gasket sett and you'r either left with too much gaskets (you pay for) or not enough. Or the wrong onse

And yes, it's absolutely no problem to make gaskets yourself! I've been doing it for years - any many of them are much better than some toilett-paper cr*p you get nowadays... Apart from large gaskets like transfere case or waterpump and speedo or timing cover gaskets I make them all myself. Doesn't mean you couldn't make them, though

You can buy big sheets of gasket paper to cut them out. It's available in various thicknesses. There's even stuff available to make your own exhaust gaskets. I use old, used gaskets as a template.

A hollow punch and finger nail scissor(!) are some usefull tools to cut them to shape (& make holes for studs).

Cheers,
Jan

Edited by Asphalt, 29 December 2009 - 04:37 PM.

[L.Hurst]

O great news, I might have a go at making a few then?

Just to be sure:

Would these be ok to make myself? and Would you know what sort of thickness I would need for:

Oil pump gasket:

Timing cover gasket:

Engine block to gearbox gasket: (?)

Flywheel to block gasket: (?)

[mars red mike]

in the past I've made thermostat gaskets from all sorts including cornflakes packets...

Lol me too! Although mine was made out of a Choc Ice's box.

[Ethel]

I think I'd only attempt the timing chain cover out of those. The transfer (clutch) housing gasket is critical in setting the idler gear clearance. Gasket sets are usually good value for the seals and lock tabs alone. Most of the differences are for the fuel system.

[MRA]

Or buy them individually

[l_jonez]

yep easy to do, i been doing it for years.

i tend to place the paper over the requiered surface then tap the edges with a light (panel pin) hammer untill it cuts thru the paper technique