Gasket Install

[desmond197]

Back in the day I used gasket sealer on base gaskets. Should I still be using this stuff or should a coating of grease be used. Scraping the gaskets off is a PITA with using the gasket sealer. What do you guys do?

Thanks

[joe novak]

Hello,  I have never used sealant of any type on Penton base gaskets.  I have never used grease to coat the base gasket either.  Is that so it does not stick to the cases or cylinder?  Do you coat both sides?   Does it seal well?  I think there is one side to the base gasket which is shiny, which I install toward the cases.  That way I may be able to remove the cylinder without damaging the gasket. I have heard that it is common to add a little sealant where the base gasket meets the center case gasket.  Sometimes, the center case gasket needs to be trimmed with a razor blade for proper fit in this area.   I have also seen Sachs engines assembled without a base gasket; using a sealant instead.  I have also seen Sachs engines assembled without using the head gasket.   Joe

[brian kirby]

I grease all paper gaskets, they seal just as well as dry and they dont stick when disassembling.

Brian

'72 Berkshire

[desmond197]

Thanks guys I will try the grease route. I have been using sealant for 36 years and never had an air leak at the base of the cylinder but getting tired of scraping the base gasket off when I inspect the piston every other race.

[Kip Kern]

If you fell the absolute need for gasket sealer, Gasgacinch is about the best.  It is lightweight and works well for holding gaskets in place, upon disassembly, you can rub it off with no effort.  I use it as a lubricant and sealer when I place any seal in an engine.

Personally, I use grease on all case gaskets and place base/head gaskets on dry

[firstturn]

Agree with Kip and Joe some Sachs engines do not have head gaskets.

Ron Carbaugh

[tomale]

I use a light grease on my base gaskets but I do have one bike that requires a gasket sealer.. In that case I use a gasket sealer produced by Susuki, I have used others and for the most part are not nearly as good... the reason is because it does not sit flat against the cylinder... We have surmised that the center cases were not a matched set.. At some point I will have to pull the motor down and mill the center cases... but until then... susuki gasket sealer...

Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)74'
250 hare scrambler (project bike)

[brian kirby]

Thom is right about that sealer. All of the Japanese manufacturers use 3M 3-bond for their sealer, its called Yamabond, Hondabond, Suzibond, Kawibond, but its all the same 3M 3-Bond sealer. Its not a silicone based sealer its solvent based very light gray and it never completely cures so it seals better than silicone. Also, since it is solvent based it disolves with contact/carb cleaner and is very easy to clean off. When I have to use a sealer, like center cases that dont use a gasket, Hondabond/3-Bond is the only thing I use.

Brian

'72 Berkshire

[desmond197]

Brian any idea where I can get the 3M 3bond. I need it for another project.

[brian kirby]

You can get Threebond 1194, which is what Hondabond/Yamabond is from Parts Unlimted, so any dealer can order it or online here:

http://www.bikebandit.com/threebond-liquid-gasket-1194?WT.mc_id=1484958&CAWELAID=338727097

Any Honda, Yamaha, Kawi, Suzi dealer of any type. Honda car dealerships, any brand of bikes, snowmobile, generators, outboards will carry it.

You can order Yamabond online here:

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/productDetail.do?navType=type&webTypeId=400&navTitle=Chemicals&webCatId=23&prodFamilyId=2855

You can get Hondabond 4 online here:

http://www.motosport.com/atv/product/PRO-HONDA-HONDABOND-4/?catalogId=110558

Since any line of product from any of those companies will carry it, you should be able to find it locally nearly anywhere in the country.

Brian

'72 Berkshire

[desmond197]

Thanks Brian I had asked at local bike shops but no one had any.

[Big Mac]

Inspect the piston after every other race? I think that may be the call for a mega-high revving single ring Elsinore 125, but one of the benefits of a fine Euro 250 brand like Pen/KTM is they'll go a hard season or more, sometimes longer, and still be in spec.
Have measured probaby 10 250/400/420 KTM cylinders from beater-to-good bikes and only once found one bored to 2nd over. Several still on original bore and a few still well in spec on original bore.

I'd fear more chance of trouble than benefit from pulling the top end that often...dirt contamination, stripped threads, etc...my opinion anyway.

I vote light grease on paper gaskets. Holds 'em in place and never had a leak or issue.

[desmond197]

I go over the entire bike strip it down and check everything every race or two. Never had a DNF due to mechanical problems. It is fun as well.