Make your own gaskets

[Lone Duck]

Re: Make your own gaskets

Yep!! using a ball peen (mechanics hammer ) is the only way I have used. learned when I was 12 and I'm 70 now. next gasket I make I will try some of what you fellows do.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Make your own gaskets

I make gaskets using material from the auto parts stores. To punch holes, I use spent rifle cases from 22 to 30 caliber and a rubber mallet. Notice use spent cases

Nahhhh I found that using unspent cases works good. You fire off the round and you have a nice clean cut hole. The only difference is, you need to double the size of the round, for the hole you intend to cut, because those darned bullets move so quickly and cut the hole undersized as they go through. So, if you want a 1/4" hole, I would hahahaha shoot hahahaha for a 44 round.

 

[Cofe]

Re: Make your own gaskets

Just thought I'd mention that the best time to make gaskets is when you have a new factory gasket kit. Get a roll of gasket material from a auto parts store and trace out all the gaskets in the kit onto the gasket material. Roll up the gasket material and store it for future use if you need it. If you end up selling the motor the gaskets were traced for, trace any new gaskets onto the material. Gasket punches can be found on ebay at a cheap price.

 

[royal0014]

Re: Make your own gaskets

Yep, like these ideas. Made my own headgasket and ressurected (sp) a $20 air compressor, still using it.

Along the same lines, a cut-up coke can and a hose clamp works great for compressing rings on small pistons.


<<)))(((>>

 

[ward cleaver]

Re: Make your own gaskets

All great ideas. I'm planning on going to Napa to see what they have. Does anyone have a part number or exact description of what kind of gasket material I need for a gasket for something like a t-stat? Would that material work for any water tight seal? How about those thinnish black almost paperlike gaskets I have seen -- like on the access port for the shift arm? Rats, what happened to my ball peen hammer?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Make your own gaskets

When I was in the Navy we would make our own gaskets with gasket material and a small ball ping hammer. Just place the material over what you were making the gasket for and tap around it lightly with the hammer. The rounded end would make the holes perfect.

Exactly, I've made many gaskets that way useing anything that resembles a ball pien hammer I used to have a tiny hammer only about 6" long that was perfect for fine work.Once you have a hole done put a bolt in it to help hold material in place.
I've even done a few head gaskets but I had to mark the bolt holes with the hammer and then use a punch.Of course if the old gasket is sound it serves as a pattern for bolt holes etc. Once did a 29 straight 8 marine Lycoming. For as I know it is still in service.

 

[mark in new jersey]

Re: Make your own gaskets

I'm going to toss this question "out there" just because:

I would never re-use a head gasket because of the tremendous heat & pressure involved, but for stuff like a carb-to-manifold gasket or a bypass cover gasket, etc. (where the pressures are low [or even non-existent] ), if the old gasket comes off cleanly, isn't torn or voided in some way and still has at least some pliability, is there any real harm in re-using it?

As I said in another thread, no, I'm not generally a fan of re-using old gaskets.....but in non-(hi)pressure applications, where new gaskets are not available {like the engine I'm presently restoring}, is there anything really awful about using the old gasket(s)?

Inquiring minds....

 

[nwcove]

Re: Make your own gaskets

the problem i have found with re-using gaskets is, if there is a problem after reassembly, it usually is the re-used gasket.

 

[Cofe]

Re: Make your own gaskets

Exactly, I've made many gaskets that way useing anything that resembles a ball pien hammer I used to have a tiny hammer only about 6" long that was perfect for fine work.Once you have a hole done put a bolt in it to help hold material in place.
I've even done a few head gaskets but I had to mark the bolt holes with the hammer and then use a punch.Of course if the old gasket is sound it serves as a pattern for bolt holes etc. Once did a 29 straight 8 marine Lycoming. For as I know it is still in service.

Growing up on a farm, we used the ball peen method as described. Then I went to power mechanic school and learned that using the ball peen method to lay out gaskets could cause the sealing surfaces around the bolt holes to deform and leak around bolts....especially on aluminum. The company I worked for would fire you on the spot for using the ball peen method. The proper way is to lay out the pattern on the material, punch the holes with gasket punches, and cut out the pattern with exacto knives, kitchen shears or scissors. Head and exhaust gaskets should always be factory gaskets.

Another tip.......If you are going to paint the part you are making the gasket for.......place your piece on the gasket material. Use a can of spray paint to stencil the pattern on the material. Works for holes, and outside edges of the gasket....For more inquiring minds...:facepalm:

 

[NetDoc]

Re: Make your own gaskets

Ball peen hammers are great for cast iron parts. However, for most gaskets, especially thin ones, just use pressure from your thumb and crease the gasket along the casting edge. The sharp edge gives you a wonderful line to cut on. I find that a round plastic screwdriver handle (backside) pressed and twisted into the bolt holes cuts them out without deforming the casting. Be sure the part is COMPLETELY dry or the gasket will tear. But what do I know? Master Certified Auto and Deisel Technician from 1969 until 1999. It was a great run, but it was time to get out. Glad I did. That being said, the tools and the experience sure help with working on boats now.

 

[Gun Dog]

Re: Make your own gaskets

All great ideas. I'm planning on going to Napa to see what they have. Does anyone have a part number or exact description of what kind of gasket material I need for a gasket for something like a t-stat? Would that material work for any water tight seal? How about those thinnish black almost paperlike gaskets I have seen -- like on the access port for the shift arm? Rats, what happened to my ball peen hammer?

For thermostat, carbs, or any non-exhaust parts use the "black" gasket material usually sold in small rolls at the parts stores. I'm not sure of the name of the material. It will cover most of your applications.