Gasket materials

[rob2]

I was wondering if anyone could refer me to a source of information as to the suitable materials for various gaskets? It takes for ever to get a gasket for my (obsolete) Spanish built engine and most gaskets are easily cut at home...

Rob.

 

[sarabande]

these people make gasket sheet material, but normally retail through distributors.

http://www.klinger.co.uk/products/jointing-materials/

Worth a call ?

 

[oldharry]

I was wondering if anyone could refer me to a source of information as to the suitable materials for various gaskets? It takes for ever to get a gasket for my (obsolete) Spanish built engine and most gaskets are easily cut at home...

Rob.

There is a standard gasket card for sealing casings, usually available from Motor Factors, and occasionally bigger Halfords. To get the shape, lay the card over the casting face, and crimp the card lightly over the edges. A light wooden mallet gives an even better impression, but just pressing on the edges with you thumb usually gives a good enough impression unless the card is unusually thick.

 

[VicS]

Walker is another brand of gasket material

http://www.jameswalker.biz/

 

[Bobobolinsky]

James Walker Group are quite good, and do mail order, however if you buy gasket from the manufacturers, you find that you have to purchase a full sheet.

http://www.jameswalker.biz/group/categories/gaskets_and_sheet_jointings.html
Walkers also do stern gland packings.

Local fixings suppliers and people like Cromwells, also do sheet gasket

 

[pampas]

Old Admiraty charts make good gaskets (Thick ones are best)

 

[RobinBirch]

Discarded inner tube -I used a piece to fashion a replacement gasket/seal for the join between the deckgland and coach roof.

 

[Appleyard]

Try agricultural engineers...they normally have a lot of different thicknesses and should sell you some bits.

 

[2Tizwoz]

There are a variety of suppliers and materials on ebay.

If you haven't used ebay just ensure that you choose a supplier with plenty of customers and a good (at least 98.5%) feedback rating and you ought not to have any problems.

Sometimes gaskets give required clearances and others particular temperature or pressure or resilience to effectively seal.

Heat resistance is important in some places - cork wouldn't usually be suitable for an exhaust manifold and asbestos is no longer recommended. Engines don't generally have extreme conditions so standard materials should be ok.

Hylomar helps and makes removal simpler and less likely to damage the gasket.

Silicone can be successful and quick for tricky shapes.

Standard fibrous cut gaskets are cheap and quick on the production line.

The cylinder head gasket has the most difficult job and whilst it is possible to make your own it might be best to go to a specialist.

Like these people.http://www.gaskets-direct-limited.co.uk/company.htm

 

[rob2]

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping to find common materials for particular applications, although the Gaskets Direct link looks like it should cover most circumstances. I tried looking for copper sheet to make a gasket for the wet exhaust elbow, but modern life has conspired to force me to order on-line - there are no local specialists left in the UK!

Rob.

 

[Bobobolinsky]

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping to find common materials for particular applications, although the Gaskets Direct link looks like it should cover most circumstances. I tried looking for copper sheet to make a gasket for the wet exhaust elbow, but modern life has conspired to force me to order on-line - there are no local specialists left in the UK!

Rob.

A wet exhaust elbow gasket can be easily cut from copper sheet however, it can be made from an asbestos replacement fibrous material

 

[rob2]

Amazingly, I spoke to a guy in a local tyre/exhaust place and he gave me two used exhaust gaskets which fit just fine! Mind you, for future odd jobs, I think I'll start collecting small sheet of gasket paper/cork/metals. I would put up with paying the ridiculous prices for "marine" gaskets if I could get them quick enough to use the engine this season! I don't mind sailing off the mooring, but can't guarantee getting back again without the engine... The old swinging moorings were much easier.

Rob.