Topic: Let's talk head gaskets

[KrautKoffin]

My k7 has a pretty severe head gasket leak and I'm going to replace it once winter actually hits. I've heard some good things about the cycle x MLS head gasket, but I really want to know from those who have used it, is it really worth $80? The standard head gasket is like $10, and cycle's gasket kit is ridiculously expensive! What're your thoughts on this? Is there a middle ground?

[PeWe]

The leak might also be the rubber pucks under the cam towers that do not seal as they should. Replace with new that are thick enough, use additional sealer under.
This is explained in some threads, how this leak look like, where the oil will be seen. Search: 'rubber pucks under the cam towers'.

MLS gasket demand a very good surface. You need to mill surfaces on both the head and cylinder, surface like a wonderful woman's sensual skin where the sun does not shine.

[Wobbly]

The standard head gasket is like $10

Apparently, you do not consider the original Honda gasket to be standard for otherwise I like to know where you get one for $ 10. As a side note: There is more to be replaced than the head gasket if you want an engine that doesn't leak--the six rubber sealings (# 91318-300-013) for instance. 
Having to pull the engine to replace the gasket, I wouldn't compromise. But that's just me and my K7.

[Wobbly]

PeWe was faster. Yes, those "rubber pucks" are what I was talking about.

[KrautKoffin]

The standard head gasket is like $10

Apparently, you do not consider the original Honda gasket to be standard for otherwise I like to know where you get one for $ 10. As a side note: There is more to be replaced than the head gasket if you want an engine that doesn't leak--the six rubber sealings (# 91318-300-013) for instance. 
Having to pull the engine to replace the gasket, I wouldn't compromise. But that's just me and my K7.

I misspoke, I'm sorry. CycleX has the for $8.50.

Ill try replacing the pucks first, then the HG if those don't work.

[Powderman]

You were probably looking at the valve cover gasket when you saw the $10 price. I see aftermarket head gaskets as low as $30 on Ebay with a medium price in the $60's. Head gasket is not something you want to cheap out on though.

The CycleX $8.50 gasket is a paper gasket and nowhere near the quality of a Multi Layer Steel gasket

[Powderman]

The standard head gasket is like $10

Apparently, you do not consider the original Honda gasket to be standard for otherwise I like to know where you get one for $ 10. As a side note: There is more to be replaced than the head gasket if you want an engine that doesn't leak--the six rubber sealings (# 91318-300-013) for instance. 
Having to pull the engine to replace the gasket, I wouldn't compromise. But that's just me and my K7.

I misspoke, I'm sorry. CycleX has the for $8.50.

Ill try replacing the pucks first, then the HG if those don't work.

If it requires removal of the head to replace the pucks you would be foolish to not replace the head gasket at the same time

[KrautKoffin]

The standard head gasket is like $10

Apparently, you do not consider the original Honda gasket to be standard for otherwise I like to know where you get one for $ 10. As a side note: There is more to be replaced than the head gasket if you want an engine that doesn't leak--the six rubber sealings (# 91318-300-013) for instance. 
Having to pull the engine to replace the gasket, I wouldn't compromise. But that's just me and my K7.

I misspoke, I'm sorry. CycleX has the for $8.50.

Ill try replacing the pucks first, then the HG if those don't work.

If it requires removal of the head to replace the pucks you would be foolish to not replace the head gasket at the same time

Thanks, the plan is to pull the motor once winter sets in, I just want to have the proper gaskets ready. So is there 3 different types of gaskets? Apparently cycle x is made of paper, the MLS and the stock gasket?

[SKTP]

I have the same thing happening with my k8

Just working up the courage to take the engine out again

[Wobbly]

You need to replace the rubber seals (inexpensive and available from Honda), head gasket, and valve cover gasket to be successful.
There are some good--made in Japan--gasket sets (KP) that are less expensive than the Honda head gasket alone. But, I believe, we already have a thread here regarding the various options you have with the head gasket.

[Duanob]

I vote for OEM. it sucks to have to go back in and replace it when it fails or doesn't seal correctly.

[KrautKoffin]

You need to replace the rubber seals (inexpensive and available from Honda), head gasket, and valve cover gasket to be successful.
There are some good--made in Japan--gasket sets (KP) that are less expensive than the Honda head gasket alone. But, I believe, we already have a thread here regarding the various options you have with the head gasket.

Thanks for the info, can you link me to the thread about head gaskets?

[SKTP]

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=122379.msg1438727#msg1438727

[Bailgang]

I tried the MLS head gasket from cycleX on my 550 mainly because I couldn't keep regular composite gaskets from leaking at the corners. I opted for the .030" MLS head gasket to kick my compression just a bit and the bike runs great with no leaks. I even had to pull the head back off a few months later because of messed up base gasket that was leaking, (don't ask why) took care of that and simply reused the MLS gasket and it still didn't leak. Yeah I know I rolled the dice reusing the MLS gasket but they are expensive and money is tight at the moment.

I think Dynoman offers a MLS head gasket as well.

[Frostyboy]

I tried the MLS head gasket from cycleX on my 550 mainly because I couldn't keep regular composite gaskets from leaking at the corners. I opted for the .030" MLS head gasket to kick my compression just a bit and the bike runs great with no leaks. I even had to pull the head back off a few months later because of messed up base gasket that was leaking, (don't ask why) took care of that and simply reused the MLS gasket and it still didn't leak. Yeah I know I rolled the dice reusing the MLS gasket but they are expensive and money is tight at the moment.

I think Dynoman offers a MLS head gasket as well.

Hey Scott, do you still use the 'o' rings on the oil galleries between the head & barrels with the mls gasket? They look like they have their own raised sealing ring from pics I've seen. Just curious.

[scottly]

Hey Owen, have you seen this:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=129914.0
(sorry about the thread-jack... )

[Bailgang]

I tried the MLS head gasket from cycleX on my 550 mainly because I couldn't keep regular composite gaskets from leaking at the corners. I opted for the .030" MLS head gasket to kick my compression just a bit and the bike runs great with no leaks. I even had to pull the head back off a few months later because of messed up base gasket that was leaking, (don't ask why) took care of that and simply reused the MLS gasket and it still didn't leak. Yeah I know I rolled the dice reusing the MLS gasket but they are expensive and money is tight at the moment.

I think Dynoman offers a MLS head gasket as well.

Hey Scott, do you still use the 'o' rings on the oil galleries between the head & barrels with the mls gasket? They look like they have their own raised sealing ring from pics I've seen. Just curious.

Yes.

[KrautKoffin]

I tried the MLS head gasket from cycleX on my 550 mainly because I couldn't keep regular composite gaskets from leaking at the corners. I opted for the .030" MLS head gasket to kick my compression just a bit and the bike runs great with no leaks. I even had to pull the head back off a few months later because of messed up base gasket that was leaking, (don't ask why) took care of that and simply reused the MLS gasket and it still didn't leak. Yeah I know I rolled the dice reusing the MLS gasket but they are expensive and money is tight at the moment.

I think Dynoman offers a MLS head gasket as well.

Looks like I'll be ordering an MLS gasket. Thanks for the input!

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I have a MLS gasket for my 750/900. It's apart but going back together soon. The gasket didn't have many miles on it when it came apart but it's in great shape and will be reused. I'm hoping between that and the HD studs I won't have a head leak for a long time.

[KrautKoffin]

I have a MLS gasket for my 750/900. It's apart but going back together soon. The gasket didn't have many miles on it when it came apart but it's in great shape and will be reused. I'm hoping between that and the HD studs I won't have a head leak for a long time.

Awesome. For the MLS gasket, how did you prep the surfaces for the gasket? I just bought the cycle x top end kit

[Don R]

I've re-used the MLS gasket on my thousand HP dragster with 14.5 to 1 compression. No issues. Keep a used set around for a spare.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I have a MLS gasket for my 750/900. It's apart but going back together soon. The gasket didn't have many miles on it when it came apart but it's in great shape and will be reused. I'm hoping between that and the HD studs I won't have a head leak for a long time.

Awesome. For the MLS gasket, how did you prep the surfaces for the gasket? I just bought the cycle x top end kit

The cylinders were sleeved and bored by APE so that got milled. The head was done by MRieck so it too was milled. Cleaned them up with acetone I believe?? Goes on dry.

[PeWe]

I've re-used the MLS gasket on my thousand HP dragster with 14.5 to 1 compression. No issues. Keep a used set around for a spare.

Good information when I have one MLS head gasket 65mm used in a torqued head never started.
I opened the engine when a HD stud snapped, new gasket,Cometic fiber when I did not want another problem.
The surfaces were very smooth (done on my kitchen table with a flat board with water paper grit 240, final 400) but not milled to ensure absolute flatness.

[Rookster]

I am going in to put in a cam over the winter.  I will probably get the CycleX MLS top end kit.  What is the consensus on the cylinders?  Should I pull them as well and replace the base gasket or just pull the head and leave the cylinders in place?

Thanks
Scott

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

In all likelihood you'll break the seal on the base gasket when you pop the top. If you're comfortable about removing the cylinders and not breaking a ring why not?!