how to make head gasket for old outboard?

[casi77]

i have a old antique evinrude motor, took the head off and gasket cracked. How can i make a replacement head gasket?? its a small 3 inch by about 4 inch.. what type of gasket material can be used to cut something?
any tricks?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

have you checked laingsoutboards.com they have gaskets back to the 50's. if not auto parts store carry gasket material. might ask this question at aomci.com

 

[Walker]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

I don't believe yopu can make a homemade head gasket that will last any length of time>

 

[iwombat]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

You can make one out of sheet copper, but its a lengthy process and requires investing in some punches. Best to exhaust all the other possibilities first.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

we don't even know what motor, to somepeople a 70 is antique. what motor?

 

[casi77]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

its a late 30s motor.. i had to idea of cutting up a sheet of copper sheet. I already have the different size hole punchers. Im in Canada, its a pain to get parts from States over here, time it takes, duty & shipping fees ..its a hassle. Especially for a small part worth prob. less than $10.

One time I used a auto- exhaust gasket on one outboard, it fit perfectly (diameter size), but on the head it did not have any cooling passages so it was basically fit it in and punch the holes for the bolts thats it. Worked great.

This one Im working on is an evinrude, the motor its like boxter style.. like a subaru engine. Spark plugs are bigger in size, never seen anything like it.

Was wondering if anybody ever made their own head gasket !? if so how, like some tips please..

 

[F_R]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

You will find more qualified people to help you over at the antique outboard motor club. Try to find a model number if you can. aomci.org

 

[iwombat]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

I've made 'em for antique motorcycles. All air cooled - no water jackets. Here's my procedure:

Place powdered chalk on your head and press on to a sheet of copper. Scribe in the lines the chalk leaves with a metal scribe.

Get out your dremel and a beer (It's gonna be a long day), and cut along the scribed lines with the copper against a soft backing material like a flat chunk of pine or something.

Place the head back over the newly cut gasket and backing board. Fit a center punch down the bolt holes and mark.

Remove the head and punch out the holes against the backing board.

Flip the gasket over and put on a solid flat piece of steel and ball-peen any raised spots around the holes and cuts flat.

File any rough edges with a round file.

Install with spray copper or gaskacinch (your choice).

 

[iwombat]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

I always make double what I need and pick the best set to install. The other set goes in storage in case I need a quickie replacement.

 

[F_R]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

Not knowing what motor you have, but don't put copper between aluminum. It will eat itself alive. Not real sure about between cast iron, I would have to read up on that one.

 

[steelespike]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

You can get headgasket material at NAPA And cut a new one using a combination of methods.Ive made a number of them for various motors up to a 1929 straight 8 Lycoming.

 

[iwombat]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

Copper head gaskets are usually standard OEM for antique cast-iron motors.

 

[iwombat]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

. . . At least for automotive applications. Marine applications I don't know.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

Actually what is the old gasket made of ? As I recall old Johnson 3HP twins used a regular gasket,in that it was a fibrous material,just over 1/16 inch thick.

DHP

 

[iwombat]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

You could probably send in the old gasket to these guys and get a new one too.

http://www.lubbockgasket.com/lgs/head.htm

A lot of the old gaskets that weren't solid copper were either asbestos with stainless or copper heat rings or asbestos sandwiched copper.

Looks like now they're using graphited asbestos.



Learn something new everyday.

 

[dave208]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

On motorcycles with aluminum heads it is necessary to spray the gasket with aluminum paint to eliminate the corrosion factor. This system will work in a pinch, but eventually they will burn through. The problem with the burn through is it usually burns the head which requires machining. I have used this method on high pressure high hp bikes that like to eat head gaskets. It works, but ya have to keep a keen eye for any leakage and change them out quickly before any damage is done.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: how to make head gasket for old outboard?

I would go along with F.R. on this. Aluminum, copper, water, you just made a battery. The copper ring was to the inside of the gasket to seal compression on those older gaskets. You can't use a full surface copper gasket.