Topic: CB650 head gasket replacement

[Clinto]

I'm helping my buddy replace his head gasket on his 1982 CB650 SOHC4

So the gasket that came in the top end kit doesn't match the one we took off the bike. Does anybody know if the two gaskets are interchangeable?

Also, when taking the head off the cylinders lifted up off the bottom end. We were trying to avoid taking the pistons out of the cylinders if possible. Do we need to replace the bottom cylinder gasket since it's been disturbed?

[Gordon]

In what way does the new gasket not match?  I can't say for sure without pictures, but if it isn't the same shape then it isn't the same gasket. 

As for the cylinder base gasket, it needs to be replaced.  What's more work.  Replacing the base gasket now, while the head is already off, or replacing it later after you've already put the engine back together? 

[Clinto]

In what way does the new gasket not match?  I can't say for sure without pictures, but if it isn't the same shape then it isn't the same gasket. 

As for the cylinder base gasket, it needs to be replaced.  What's more work.  Replacing the base gasket now, while the head is already off, or replacing it later after you've already put the engine back together?

Sorry I can't get pictures right now. The new head gasket leaves less space around the center where the cam chain runs through. All the bolt holes line up perfectly and looks like it would work. But the original head gasket has a second separate inner gasket that runs around the hole the cam chain runs through. This would have to be removed to fit the new gasket

So if the base gakset needs replaced my next question is do we need to replace piston rings if they're going to be taken out of the cylinder? The bike was running fine except for an oil leak from the head gasket.

Thanks!

[sdanville]

So .... What Happened ? ?  did it work ?

[Nicklopic]

So .... What Happened ? ?  did it work ?

Im guessing youre wondering because you also ran into the same problem?
There are 2 different designs for the head gasket. most gasket kits have this notation on them. There's a good chance im sure you could use both but if you have time I would pull the head first, then order the correct kit just to avoid any questions or possible headaches.