Topic: anyone else get frustrated with carb bowl gaskets?

[Ayrity]

ugh lol I have been trying for like 3 hours to get my first new gasket on the bikes carb bowls, where I have been having some bad leaks. (no wonder! I saw they were in pieces!) so I ordered new ones and I know they are the right size, but they are circular, and you all know what the 550 bowl gasket shape looks like /\    so every time I try to press it in, it just pops out! I even tried sticking it down with some thick grease and then some
                               |_|  
dish soap! so any tips on getting it to stick while I turn the bowl over and put it back on? thanks!

Edit: I DID check the forums by searching, but with everyones different wording it is tough to find anything relevant.

[j squared]

Ive heard of using scotch tape to hold them in place while you seat the bowl, then thread the screws part way (until the leaf spring has then under tension) and pull the tape out.

other tips here:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=68784.0

[flybox1]

no grease.
thats like trying to catch a greased pig.

clean the gasket, make sure its really dry.
same for the bowl seam it sits in.
use a pinhead dab of super glue or clear nail polish in the corners, and hold it in place while it dries.

done. 

[dave500]

i used the hard setting #4 loctite black gasket goo,let it get tacky as hell then place the rubber into the recess.

[Ayrity]

ok, sounds like I will try these all in order of least damaging to most, start with tape then nail polish, then glue the loctite. Thanks everyone! and again sorry for clogging up the forums with a possibly searchable question...

[dave500]

they can be fiddly,patience and finnese will win out.

[bollingball]

Fly is correct NO grease just a dot here and there of something tacky. Are you sure you have the correct gaskets.If they are swollen cut them an a diagonal then a dot of glue at the splice.

[gmonkey]

I didn't but I think I held the carbs right side up and put the bowls on from underneath.  They were separated at the time so it was easy but with all the trouble you're having it sounds like turning the whole rack over might be worth it.

[Duanob]

Sorry but I had no trouble at all using an OEM gasket kit. Fit like a glove!

[Deltarider]

Sorry but I had no trouble at all using an OEM gasket kit. Fit like a glove.

Same here.

[flybox1]

Sorry but I had no trouble at all using an OEM gasket kit. Fit like a glove.

Same here.

true, but all the OTHER gasket kits come with the round gaskets.  so us less fortunate carb rebuilders have to wrestle with the round ones   

( wish i could source rolls of 1/16"ish buna gasket material.  i'd make my own for a few pennies. )

[dulcimerbob]

Super glue in the bends . Little tiny bit . Works like a champ. Just got thru doing a carb build and can totally vouch for it.

[welnamark]

YES.  In my opinion people have no business selling the round ones marketing them as gaskets for CB550's.  I have never been so frustrated in my life and threw them away.  I'll only buy these:

http://www.siriusconinc.com/pro-detail.php?pid=&product_id=1128

[Duanob]

Sorry but I had no trouble at all using an OEM gasket kit. Fit like a glove.

Same here.

true, but all the OTHER gasket kits come with the round gaskets.  so us less fortunate carb rebuilders have to wrestle with the round ones   

( wish i could source rolls of 1/16"ish buna gasket material.  i'd make my own for a few pennies. )

They were round! I think when people start pushing them into place they stretch them too much as they go around the rim. I did that on my first one and learned to just push them straight down into the groove without stretching them. There are four little 'teeth' that will hold them down good enough to get the bowl screwed on.

[OrganDonor]

I found them impossible to install without some "help", but finally used permatex gasket sealant and had absolutely no problem.  Just used a little and let it set up for a minute or two before pressing the o-ring in place.  Super glue sounds good too, just make sure you don't use a silicone product as it will break apart in your bowl and plug the jets.  Don't ask me how I know 

Bob

[elquenada]

ok well grease worked for me on my '75 550.  I used a small amount of wheel bearing grease.  A nice thin layer will get sticky if you rub it on and let it air dry a few seconds.

that said. super glue seems like an easy solution