head gasket question

[Jeff Saline]

On Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:38:27 -0000 "hjogden" writes:

> Hi All > > Putting together my '02 with an '09 head and have a question about > head gaskets. My aftermarket gasket set contains a head gasket that > is about 1.5mm think and seems to be standard construction with a > metal ring around the cylinder and composite gasket for the rest. > > The head gasket that came out of the '02 when I took it apart is the > same as the one that was on the '09 head I bought and is a thin > (.25mm) metal sheet with a thin coating of plastic goop of some > sort. > > I am wondering what has been the list's experience with head > gaskets. Should I use the thick aftermarket one which will probably > lower compression ratio but give me some added clearance between the > valves and piston, or order a new OEM thin gasket? Does anyone know > how close the piston comes to the valves when the engine is running? > > > Thanks > > Hal in Halifax

<><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><> Hal, I'm with Jeff Khoury about using an OEM headgasket. The aftermarket gasket you have might just squish down to OEM thickness when installed. The only way I know to check is to give it a try. I can't see it hurting anything other than your wallet if it doesn't work. Using the aftermarket headgasket you might have to retorque the head fasteners after a few heat/cool cycles. If you decide to do that I suggest you loosen each fastener, one at a time, 1/4 turn and then retorque. Best, Jeff Saline ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT . ____________________________________________________________ Manufacturer-Direct Hardwood Floors Never pay retail again. Wholesale prices on all hardwood floors! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=HJsjolk6xqn3Ds_I-SOOuwAAJ1DWfJIDP-R0_NC3mMpGFS0kAAQAAAAFAAAAAFwF6j4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANldAAAAAA=