Head gaskets

Previously james_fanning wrote:

Always experienced some weep with the copper head gaskets on both 750 and 850 Commandos I've had , despite repeated retorqueing of the head. The original type eyelet head gasket using some compressible material always worked best for me ,remaining completely oil tight. Some recommend heating up the copper gasket before fittingcausing it to expandwhich then givesit some compressibilitybut seems a bit of afaff.

Hi James, Mmm its a tricky one I know, seems different types work andsuccess is achieved with both thanks for your input .

Previously ian_soady wrote:

I always used copper on my 850 but made sure it was well annealed (get red hot then either allow to cool or quench in water - doesn't matter which). Even brand new items can be quite hard.

I also used a very thin coat of Wellseal applied with a brush round the pushrod tunnels. Never had a weep after that (at least not from the head.......)

I can't imagine how heating the gasket up while fitting would do anything as it would be cold by the time it was tightened down. Maybe it's a misinterpretation of annealing?

Hi Ian , I have annealed copper as said during my work experience , but its a hit and miss thing on how much its actually annealed, I have had success with both only wish I could remember the name of the old gaskets I had most success with thanks for your advicemuch appreciated.