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re-use T20 head gaskets?

Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 11:23 am
by doug rooney
They were hardly on the bike for any time at all til I trashed the pistons. Can I use them again?? Thanks

Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 1:11 pm
by Wayne Meuir
If they are copper, heat them wit a propane torch, let them cool, and re-use them.

Wayne

Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 2:33 pm
by doug rooney
They are aluminum???

Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:04 pm
by Suzukidave
Aluminum can also be annealed like the copper but because it cannot be heated till it glows orange like the copper you have to use a different method ....you begin by rubbing ordinary hand soap (wetted) on the aluminum . The soap acts as a temperature indicator (much like chalk does for steel). The gasket can then be gently heated with a blowtorch until the soap blackens. (Note: the soap must turn dark brown or black.) this should soften the work hardened aluminum .

Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:31 pm
by Suzsmokeyallan
Something else that can be done is to clean all the mating surfaces and coat them with shellac.
Then reinstall the parts and torque as necessary, ive found this works good on the odd time when reusing metal head gaskets.

Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:39 pm
by tz375
Allan,

Shellac !!! You must be be as old as me. :lol: :lol:

I haven't seen that as a gasket goo for decades now and it's hard enough round here to find it for french polishing either.

Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 5:14 pm
by Suzsmokeyallan
OOOps was i giving away my time spent working on engines Richard,,, wow good old Indian Head liquid shellac in the brown pot with the little brush made into the cover.

Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 5:18 pm
by Suzukidave
Relax guys ... it looks like you can still get it :D http://www.permatex.com/documents/tds/A ... /20539.pdf

Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 5:43 pm
by Suzsmokeyallan
Yep it seems so and i'll have to get some more for safe keeping, Dave are you ordering some for yourself ???.
It one of those products you never forget and i can smell it now even though i have not had any around me for years.

Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 6:10 pm
by Suzukidave
Allan , if i remember right i saw some at Auto Zone :D

Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 7:51 pm
by Suzsmokeyallan
Thats even better and closer too since its just around the corner from you.

Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 7:01 am
by doug rooney
Thanks guys. I guess it's going to be new gaskets now though. I had ordered 2 from ebay and received only one. The guy FINALLY answered my 3rd email after I had to threaten neg feedback and a dispute. He is now sending me another new head gasket and base gasket that was also missing from the order.