Topic: 550 head gasket replacement suggestions

[marko59]

So I have the complete Vesrah gasket set and ready to pull the head (leaking). Block/base gasket appears fine. The Clymer manual gives a torque range, so I plan on torqueing to the highest. Any suggestions for a sealant (Permatex Copper?)  Also, based on others experience, is a "retorque" necessary? I noticed a recent thread about this on the 750 and hope It won't be needed on the 550. What is the best way to remove the carbon fouling from the pistons and combustion chamber? Other suggestions on making this a reliable replacement are appreciated.

Mark

[goldarrow]

Soda blasting pistons will get them nice and clean. 1mm drill bit to clean up oil holes

[Stev-o]

Be sure to change your pucks, they are a common source of the leak

[marko59]

awesome, so what is soda blasting and where are/what are the "pucks"?

Just torgue to spec, no retorque? permatex copper spray on the gasket?

Thanks!

[Stev-o]

The "pucks" are called  sealing rubbers, #41.  They do not come in most gasket kits.


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