Topic: Coating inside of points cover on 76 550

[TwoTired]

It is very straightforward to make one.
First obtain some sheet neoprene from the hardware store.

Measure the inside lip on the points cover to get an outer diameter.  This gives you two dimensions an outer and and inner which coresponds to the "landing area" of the cover.

I used a compass to make a circular mark on the sheet neoprene.  I also have a compass where I replaced the pencil with an Exacto knife and a #11 blade.  It will cut circles around a point, but is only good for the outer diameter, and the inner diameter away from the mount holes.

If you mark the sheet you can also cut the neoprene shape out with a shears.

Once you have the outer round diameter cut, place the cover over it and stick a narrow pencil or other marking device into the mount holes of the cover to transfer those locations onto the neoprene.  I happen to have a leather punch tool to make the holes in about 10 seconds.  But, you can bevel the ends (sharpen) of a piece of tubing to make a punch, or use it as a twist drill, if you put a "bird's mouth" at the end and sharpen the mouth with a file.
Alternately you can use a Forstner type bit to cut nice round holes.  Any hole will work to allow the mount screw to pass though.

Once the hole is there, then draw a "hump" around the hole, so the hole isn't cut through when making the inner cut of the gasket.

I used gacsacinch to hold the neoprene gasket to the cover during removal.  he first one I made has been there since 1980 or so.  Still keeps the water out.

Neoprene resumes it's shape once compression loads are off.  Cork does not and remains smashed/distorted after compression, so it must be replaced after each use.  It is nearly impossible the put the cover back on in exactly the same position as before, and with the exact same compression pressure.  With neoporene, that doesn't matter.  It just re-conforms with the current fit and pressure, as long as you don't get really stupid with those hold down screws.

I think it takes me about 15 minutes to make another gasket.  Sure looks neater than gobs of silicone, to me.

Cheers,

[lone*X]

I probably made my first gasket in the early 60's while working on lawn equipment when I was in my early teens.  Back then it was paper, cork, or asbestos.   No one had to tell me how.  You looked at what was needed and what tools you had available and just did it.  I am surprised that a task as simple as this had to be explained.  TT, you did an excellent job with your explanation.  I am just a bit taken back by the need for it.   

[Gman]

No one had to tell me how.  You looked at what was needed and what tools you had available and just did it.  I am surprised that a task as simple as this had to be explained.  TT, you did an excellent job with your explanation.  I am just a bit taken back by the need for it.   

I was feeling a bit sheepish asking, as it does seem like it would be a no-brainer.  However, I am an elementary teacher, and from experience w/my students, I would rather they ask to be sure, even if it seems self-evident.  There seem to be enough quirks on these old bikes that I didn't want to assume.  Now if only the carbs were this easy...