Topic: Prep for working on bike - Gaskets???

[Wayne Grauel]

Not being a real motorcycle gear head yet - I have worked on other things and know that when you did into something there will be those times when you run into gaskets etc.. and then it's a big Awww SH%$  .. so in respect for the laws of the esteemed Mr. Murphy -

I'm planning on at least checking ignition, valves and it looks like carb cleaning  ( I was one of those with a sticky throttle cable and I think i have a stuck float..   ( I KNOW>>> RUN IT DRY NEXT TIME<<<).     Yes, Simple Green in on the list and I have guitar strings  YEE HAA   and know not to mess with the low needle as it is pressed in!

In light of this, what should i prepare for in the way of gaskets and o rings ( heard the one about O rings by the 100's at harbor freight and there's home de-pot).

I see all kinds of gaskets sets on ebay - but what will I need to have ( or should ) have on hand to be safe.  (and is that a safe bet??? (ebay)

its a 78 CB750K8  - any good sources for the proper Kit

Many Thanks!

Wayne

[andy750]

You`ll see plenty of Vesrah gasket kits for sale on Ebay and elsewhere. Ive had mixed success with their headgaskets (the other gaskets - clutch, alt cover etc are ok or at least do the job) and wouldnt use them again for the head -pay the money and get cometic - Ive seen the difference and Im a convert :-). Of course their are plenty of people here who have had good results with vesrah head gaskets so its up to you.
good luck,
Andy

 

[Wayne Grauel]

OK....    I think I'm beginning to understand more.  pardon my ignorance ( which has nothing to do with stupidity)  - I called Cometic and they make Head Gaskets (for all you other neophyte Honda mechanics).    So got that figured out (if I need to go that far).

Perhaps my question might have been in too general terms  ( or  you assumed I knew more about these than I used to)  I did completely break down my first honda 90 with a cracked block when i was 15  wow... 53 now???...   ok.. long time ago. and It rand great for years until girls and cars became more important.

Now - Am I to assume that gasket kits include ALL gaskets  or do they have various  stages.   Would a gasket kit include o rings  and stuff like that or am I getting into specific areas of the bike that require  "gasket sets" specific to where it is you are working..

For example,  If I find that I need to work on the carburetors (even to pull them off and clean the float bowls,,,  is that another kit I would need .in addition.

I am really sorry if this type of question is not appropriate - I just figured it would be better to have supplies on hand and then pull this damn thing apart rather than have crap laying all over the place while I wait for a stupid gasket - in the meantime the kids get around there and perhaps something gets messed with - or I forget what the heck I was doing,.

I'm not trying to be a troll or a pain in the ass (if i am please tell me)

I think the intention of my post is clear and I read most new posts and have gone through a lot of FAQ's etc.. learned a lot - but sometimes a specific "to the point" question might just get a answer from someone who could give me some good advise  - maybe another nubie will read this since it sounds like a couple of us are getting into this right now.

I hope this is more clear about "what to expect"...

Most Respectfully
Wayne

[nomadwarmachine]

Wayne,

For the work you have laid out (carb cleaning, ignition, valves) you will not automatically need any O-rings or gaskets.  If you want to rebuild the carbs, you should pick up a carb kit from any of the online retailiers, and these kits will include replacements for all of the wearable parts in the carbs.  Check Cycle II Recycle or just type ""SOHC carb kit" in to Google and you willl be on your way.

The ignition system does not have any gaskets in it, though you may want to pick up a new set of points/condensors.  Removing the side cover for the ignition takes about 30secs and the cork gasket on that cover never really needs to be replaced unless the cover is damaged.

Valve covers have little O-Rings in them but these are resusable and, even when they fail, you are not exactly gushing oil out of the head.  Don't waste your money sourcing a full gasket kit unless you are actually planning to tear into the engine, whcih it does not sound like you are.

Just pick up a Clymer manual and go through the regular, routine tune-up procedure.  That way, you willl be able to spot any issues with the engine, note them, and prepare to address them at a later time.

Hope this helps.
-Keith

[Wayne Grauel]

Keith.. Thanks - I probably did not have things clear the first time...  Thanks again for what to expect!!!

Wayne

[scondon]

   Not much you'll need on hand for the work you describe. The full gasket sets are primarily for the upper and lower engine internals. They should include, however, the 8 tappet cover o-rings that you may or may not want to replace when you check your valves. These o-rings are reusable and only need to be replaced if they start weeping, so if yours are ok now they'll probably be ok after you set the valve gaps. The kit will also include a ignition cover gasket. The stock one is cork and can get pretty beat up over time. This gasket is primarily to keep water and dirt out of the ignition. It is also reusable and you can check the condition of yours before you decide to replace or not. All of these seals/gaskets are available individually from Honda if you want to spend less money and get just what you need.

  If you're planning on doing engine work in the future then it would make sense to get the full gasket kit now.

   You may want to install new float needles while you're in the carbs. Aftermarket needles are "hit or miss" as to whether they work, but they are cheap. Float needles from Honda cost more but are a better bet.

  Aluminum or copper "crush" washers are nice to have on hand for when you do oil changes. there is one on the oil pan drain bolt and one on the oil tank drain bolt.


EDIT: most of this has already been covered. One day I'll learn to type faster

[Gordon]

Nothing wrong with your question at all.   Typically you can buy a complete gasket set, a Top End gasket set, or buy them separately (if you can find them separately).  The "complete" sets can sometimes differ in what they have.  They'll usually include some, but not all of the carb gaskets/orings.  When starting on a new project, I almost always buy a complete set plus four carb kits so I'll have everything I need, when I need it.  At the very least, I'll buy the Top End set, plus the carb kits.  Some say to stay away from the less expensive brands of gaskets, and that may very well be good advice, but I've only ever used the cheaper kits on five different bikes now, and have yet to have any problems.  I think it mainly comes down to preparing the gasket mating surfaces well, and following the torque specs to the letter.

Looks like I'm a little slow on this one, but I'll post it anyway in case it may be of any help.

[Wayne Grauel]

OK Everyone--- I'm Good now.. (or at least know more than I did...)

Thanks to everyone who seemed to hit a specific area of interest!!!

(especially the heads up on needle valves!)

Wayne