Topic: Best gaskets?

[gary p.]

I replaced the head on my MGB and read advice on the forum telling which gaskets are most reliable. 
I've searched but haven't found similar advice here.   That might be because my search skills need work,  .
 I want to pull the head off my 73 CB500 four and I'm asking if there is a preferred source for quality gasket sets.   

[jaytee-nz]

For head gaskets, always genuine Honda but they can be hard to find.

[BenelliSEI]

Interesting coincidence. For the past 12-15 years, vintage racing British MG and several BMC powered specials, the best head gaskets came from Cometic. I just noticed they also make CB750 head gaskets. Anyone used them??

[lafindufondu]

You guys using coppercoat on your head gaskets?

[gary p.]

I haven’t found Cometic for 73 cb500 four.  Several suppliers have the brand, but nothing for my bike. 
The Cometic site says their head gaskets are coated and mount dry.  As for other brands, I don’t know.  What is the benefit of using copper coat?  This is my first bike engine rebuild in 40 years, so I’ll welcome any advice from members with experience.  I really don’t remember what I did back then.   Probably whatever the repair manual said to do. 

[rocket johnny]

i have used coppercoat on head gaskets for years , never a problem

[uksparky]

You should be ok using aftermarket head gasket... but any rubber gaskets or O rings use dealer, they last longer, had that problem with my NE brand valve cover gasket few weeks back..

[Dolomite]

I like the CycleX super gasket set if it's a full rebuild. Guaranteed no-leak gaskets for anything that touches oil and a MLS cylinder head gasket

[BenelliSEI]

Dolomite...... good reminder on CycleX. I want to try a set for my next rebuild. Anything they have sent me has been first rate.

[Dolomite]

Yes they even helped me when I had a lapse of memory when ordering a set for the rebuild. Opened the package from them only to remember we decided the cylinders needed to be bored over AFTER I had ordered the gaskets. They let me exchange the 61mm for a 65mm just asked me to pay shipping. I think that's pretty reasonable considering it was my mistake.

[DaveBarbier]

OEM, put on dry.

[PeWe]

Cometic graphite head gasket, dry. I tried once with copper spray..what a leak...worst ever.
Correct torque, wait 24 hours tighten again. A few hours later once more. Repeat until nuts stop moving, gasket fully compressed.
My last K2 build needed 3 re-tightening of head nuts. Graphite gasket from Athena gasket kit. 400 km done and bone dry.

I do not use any additional sealer on any gasket on my K6 and K2. no leaks. Honda engine cover gaskets( green) better than the cheap ones. Cover can be removed and tightened again several times. Better fitment too

[Shtonecb500]

Cometic and Vesrah for me, lately Cometic. I used a cycle X gasket set on a 750 and I didnt like the fitment too much but Im sure I will try them again, I want an exhaust from them as well.

[BenelliSEI]

Agreed on the Cometic head gasket. No sprays or coating. Wait overnight and do a second pull down and your done. They really work. On the BMC race cars we often would use a new one on a warm motor and go right back on the track. They are superb. Not cheap!