Author Topic: Aftermarket head gasket kit - thoughts? (Read 3128 times)

zammykoo · « **on:** May 20, 2016, 01:54:52 PM »

Anyone have thoughts on this kit? I have a feeling most will say stick with OEM, but just curious!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/182106611516?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT#vi-ilComp

mystic_1 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 20, 2016, 04:25:03 PM »

Googling "Top Line Gaskets", the first hit is JC Whitney. Take from that what you may.

The head gasket doesn't seem like anything special, it's a plain fiber gasket, akin to the kind you find in the cheaper Athena brand gasket sets.

Being "new-old stock" I'd wonder about how it was stored, for how long, and how good the rubber bits still are.

I think I'm seeing a lot of "casting flash" on the valve cover gasket (the formed rubber one) so I'd question it's quality as well.

Personally I'd take a pass, if better options are available. Gaskets and seals aren't something you want to cheap out on.

mystic_1

OldSchool_IsCool · « **Reply #2 on:** May 20, 2016, 04:36:19 PM »

Stick with OEM.

setdog · « **Reply #3 on:** May 20, 2016, 09:35:37 PM »

I could never get an MLS head gasket to seal properly because the mating surfaces were not perfect, i had them decked once and didnt want to take more material off trying to get them perfect so I bought an OEM for my cb750 problem solved no leaks.

jamesw · « **Reply #4 on:** May 21, 2016, 03:19:36 AM »

When you guys says OEM, where are you buying then from? I need a new head gasket and was going to buy the MLS from cyclex.

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #5 on:** May 21, 2016, 05:42:05 AM »

For your 350f? In your signature it would be nice to put what type of bike you've got so people don't have to ask. Or just mention it in the first post.

I'm seeing these two gaskets on ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/301940790435

Also, David Silver might be able to get a head gasket:
https://www.davidsilverspares.com/parts/by-part-number/part_12251333306/

As far as the other rubber bits, I've used a mix of OEM and Vesrah but if I were to do it again I'd spend more time sourcing the individual OEM bits, can't beat 'em. Use CMSNL.com or Partzilla.com and find the part numbers you need.

Lostboy Steve · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2016, 06:54:49 AM »

Which is why I am running the Graphite Vesrah. Nothing wrong with it. Plenty of Small block Chevy's are doing wheel stands with graphite head-gaskets.

zammykoo · « **Reply #7 on:** May 24, 2016, 02:39:34 PM »

I appreciate all of your input! And mystic_1, you've guessed it. The seller told me the base gaskets are a little stiff and the valve guide seals are no good.

I'll keep an eye out for OEM parts, although I'd like to just get a kit that includes everything I need. I'm looking to replace all top end gaskets. What's by best option here?

Duanob · « **Reply #8 on:** May 25, 2016, 03:47:23 PM »

I learned my lesson, OEM all the way. Unless you really enjoy working on your bike more than riding it.

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 25, 2016, 04:25:38 PM »

+1...and if you really can only scrounge up one oem gasket, do make it the head gasket

SKOL · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2016, 07:11:15 PM »

CycleX gasket kit

fizzlebottom · « **Reply #11 on:** May 26, 2016, 10:58:23 AM »

+1 for OEM. Here's why:

I just finished rebuilding the top end of my CB650SC. The old gasket was a nightmare to remove, but I ended up getting it decked anyways. I managed to clean the cylinder block deck just fine, but didn't have it decked. I know there were imperfections, though relatively minor. I originally bought a cheap gasket and found that it didn't fit properly at all. I quickly found an OEM gasket, used some copper spray on it just to make sure it'd seal, and buttoned everything up. The motor has been oil tight so far.

OEM is the way to go if you can't find a HIGH QUALITY aftermarket (Cometic, etc.).

zammykoo · « **Reply #12 on:** May 26, 2016, 12:31:03 PM »

cycleX doesn't seem to have a set for the 350

It looks like the general consensus is OEM (which is normally my first choice too) but I am a little confused about this. I see some OEM gaskets on ebay but most are NOS. Does Honda even make gaskets for our bikes anymore? Wouldn't I be taking a chance to getting NOS if the gaskets/seals were not stored properly? Or what's a reliable source for OEM?

Duanob · « **Reply #13 on:** May 26, 2016, 01:32:26 PM »

Quote from: fizzlebottom on May 26, 2016, 10:58:23 AM

+1 for OEM. Here's why:
I quickly found an OEM gasket, used some copper spray on it just to make sure it'd seal, and buttoned everything up. The motor has been oil tight so far.

OEM is the way to go if you can't find a HIGH QUALITY aftermarket (Cometic, etc.).

+1 on the copper spray. I never saw another oil leak from the between the head and the jugs again.

beemerbum · « **Reply #14 on:** May 26, 2016, 04:02:55 PM »

Quote from: zammykoo on May 26, 2016, 12:31:03 PM

cycleX doesn't seem to have a set for the 350

It looks like the general consensus is OEM (which is normally my first choice too) but I am a little confused about this. I see some OEM gaskets on ebay but most are NOS. Does Honda even make gaskets for our bikes anymore? Wouldn't I be taking a chance to getting NOS if the gaskets/seals were not stored properly? Or what's a reliable source for OEM?

I've had good luck with David Silver Spares for OEM head gaskets

SKOL · « **Reply #15 on:** May 26, 2016, 09:05:08 PM »

Permatex aviation form-a-gasket is nice for some extra insurance, regardless of quality of gasket.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 26, 2016, 09:21:56 PM »

Vesrah is comparable to OEM Honda gaskets and if you can find a complete Vesrah Made in Japan kit you won't be disappointed. imo

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 27, 2016, 12:03:45 AM »

Vesrah? -1 totally copper spray? +2 totally dudes...you can order oem Honda parts all day long, online! Kaws, Suzis, Yamis?...not so much. Don't take that #$%* for granted. These bikes are 40+ years old!

zammykoo · « **Reply #18 on:** May 27, 2016, 04:31:40 AM »

Thanks all, this definitely helps! Not sure how I missed DaveBarbier's post above earlier. I'll try and piece as much oem as I can find, and the rest Vesrah. You guys are awesome

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #19 on:** May 27, 2016, 04:52:12 AM »

Quote from: seanbarney41 on May 27, 2016, 12:03:45 AM

Vesrah? -1 totally

+1...wait or -1, whichever means I agree with Sean.

A few o-rings on my 550 build by Vesrah failed within 6 months. Although many are still good. As long as the OEM are available why cheap out?

I remember Hondaman talking about the OEM head gaskets and how they're impregnated with a sealer and set once heat cycled. They go on dry, no added sealer.

madmtnmotors · « **Reply #20 on:** May 27, 2016, 05:07:14 AM »

All this talk about "OEM" head gaskets, where do you get an "OEM" head gasket for CB750 cylinders bored to 65mm (836)?

zammykoo · « **Reply #21 on:** May 31, 2016, 05:34:08 PM »

Well lookie what just came in the mail today

I was a bit skeptical of the condition of the rubber bits but they feel soft and supple. I think the vacuum seal kept the moisture in well.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 31, 2016, 06:34:14 PM »

Nice

mystic_1 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 31, 2016, 08:42:40 PM »

Get a bright light and a magnifying glass, and stretch the rubber parts a bit and inspect for fine cracks. If you don't see any they're probably good to go

mystic_1

zammykoo · « **Reply #24 on:** May 31, 2016, 09:42:59 PM »

Quote from: mystic_1 on May 31, 2016, 08:42:40 PM

Get a bright light and a magnifying glass, and stretch the rubber parts a bit and inspect for fine cracks. If you don't see any they're probably good to go

mystic_1

Will do. Thanks for the tip!

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Author Topic: Aftermarket head gasket kit - thoughts? (Read 3128 times)