re-use T20 head gaskets?

doug rooney · Post by **doug rooney** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 11:23 am

They were hardly on the bike for any time at all til I trashed the pistons. Can I use them again?? Thanks

Wayne Meuir · Post by **Wayne Meuir** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 1:11 pm

If they are copper, heat them wit a propane torch, let them cool, and re-use them.

Wayne

doug rooney · Post by **doug rooney** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 2:33 pm

They are aluminum???

Suzukidave · Post by **Suzukidave** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:04 pm

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 .

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:31 pm

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.

tz375 · Post by **tz375** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:39 pm

Allan,

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

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.

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 5:14 pm

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.

Suzukidave · Post by **Suzukidave** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 5:18 pm

Relax guys ... it looks like you can still get it

http://www.permatex.com/documents/tds/A ... /20539.pdf

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 5:43 pm

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.

Suzukidave · Post by **Suzukidave** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 6:10 pm

Allan , if i remember right i saw some at Auto Zone

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 7:51 pm

Thats even better and closer too since its just around the corner from you.

doug rooney · Post by **doug rooney** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 7:01 am

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.