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Condition of NOS headgaskets
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Bitumen Boy



Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 1733
Location: Above the snow line in old Monmouthshire

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 6:15 pm    Post subject: Condition of NOS headgaskets Reply with quote

I have a couple of NOS headgaskets in the loft, they're not perfect factory fresh examples and I was wondering if they were fit to use. Sorry if the photos aren't much cop, but hopefully you'll get the idea.

First problem is verdigris on the copper, thus:


Is it OK just to clean this off with a fine abrasive?

Next problem is where the gaskets aren't straight, thus:

I reckon a wavy one like this will flatten out OK when the head is fitted, but then I have one with some small creases, thus:


Would these be OK or are they only fit for the bin? I can still get new headgaskets, but other people may be equally unsure about their parts collection and not have that option!
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Rick
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Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 6:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The corrosion on the copper I'd clean off and it should be ok so long as the surfaces are undamaged. I don't think I'd trust a gasket with a crease in it mind, same for delamination, unless it was an uber-rare gasket and I had no other choice.

RJ
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Penman



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4751
Location: Swindon, Wilts.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 7:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi
With the corrosion woudn't even a light abrasive take off some material?
Why not use brown sauce painted on to it? It has a similar efffect on copper coins as leaving them over night in cola or milk.
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Bitumen Boy



Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 1733
Location: Above the snow line in old Monmouthshire

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 9:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Pretty much my own thoughts, but I'll have to try the brown sauce!
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Kelsham



Joined: 18 Jan 2009
Posts: 349
Location: Llandrindod Wells Powys

PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 5:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Some years ago I read that it was possible to immerse old asbestos gaskets in water to re juvenate them.

I have never tried it myself but it sounds like a feasible action.

If the copper is only slightly creased you will likely be OK.

Regards Kels.
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Bitumen Boy



Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 1733
Location: Above the snow line in old Monmouthshire

PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 5:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kelsham wrote:
Some years ago I read that it was possible to immerse old asbestos gaskets in water to re juvenate them.

I have never tried it myself but it sounds like a feasible action.

If the copper is only slightly creased you will likely be OK.

Regards Kels.


Interesting. Is the idea that the water swells the asbestos and that straightens them out? I think I'll try that, just for the hell of it - we're not on a meter so it'll cost nowt to see what happens Smile
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PAUL BEAUMONT



Joined: 27 Nov 2007
Posts: 1281
Location: Barnsley S. Yorks

PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have heard of the water immersion trick being done with cork gaskets - especially as they shrink when they dry out. Not heard of it for asbestos.
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MVPeters



Joined: 28 Aug 2008
Posts: 822
Location: Northern MA, USA

PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 10:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I wouldn't soak these asbestos-lined head gaskets for too long -- 15 mins in hot soapy water should be enough.
I'd be concerned about the glue or whatever that holds the asbestos powder together may break down. A gentle scrub with a nylon pot scourer will get rid of most of the corrosion.

For dried-up cork, I use WD40 or ATF - they'll still be delicate, but much more supple.
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