Topic: 550 float bowl gaskets from Z1

[Wykydtron]

Im looking to replace the float bowl gaskets on my 78 550.  I found an oem gasket kit on Bike Bandit for $13 and convinced myself that it was a good deal since it was "a complete set."  Got it last night and realized I was an idiot and it was a complete set for one carb that I ordered, has all the little o-rings for the carb including the one for the float bowl.  Anyway Im not spending $40 for the 3 more sets when all I need is the float bowl gaskets.  I see Z1 carries them, but to me they just look like big o-rings, they arent shaped to the bowl like the oem ones.  Any point in spending $10 plus shipping for those when I could likely go to the hardware store, or auto parts store and find some that would fit for pocket change?

http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=2548

[jabbadeznuts]

Z1 is right, they are just circular gaskets. When you go to install them, use a VERY small amount of something sticky (I used blue RTV) to hold them in place as you assemble.

[rhinoracer]

A circular ring for a rectangular fit must have a very specific length. Too short or too long and it won't fit.

Maybe somebody knows if there's a diameter that fits just right, then there are those kits for making your own o-rings but not sure if the loctite will withstand fuel.

[Jonesy]

Z1 is right, they are just circular gaskets. When you go to install them, use a VERY small amount of something sticky (I used blue RTV) to hold them in place as you assemble.

Permatex also makes an O-ring adhesive for keeping O-rings in non-circular grooves.

[Jonesy]

Typically there always seems to be a bit of slack that you gradually have to work into place. The large seal that seals the head cover on my 550 was like that (shaped to fit, OEM part), but I had a bit of extra length. I had to keep working it around and it finally settled into place.

[TwoTired]

You might consider this.
I use a product called Gascacinch. (Edelbrock)
I use a toothpick to line the groove, and then apply a thin coat to the gasket.  The stuff works like contact cement.  So, it takes a little practice to get the technique down, start in the corner, etc.

Made life easier for me.

Cheers,

[FunJimmy]

Maybe somebody knows if there's a diameter that fits just right, then there are those kits for making your own o-rings but not sure if the loctite will withstand fuel.

I just took my CB550F float bowls to an industrial seal supplier and they fitted o-rings for me.

Here are the sizes needed for carb rebuild.

Main Jet: 1.2mm cross-section x 3.5 mm ID
Float Seat: 1.5 mm cross-section x 5 mm ID
Float Bowl: 2.0 mm cross-section x 67 mm ID
Float Bowl Drain Screw: AS568-009 (7/32" ID x 11/32" OD)

They cost about $1.00 for each carb.

Great deal.

Cheers
FJ