1977 flh

[roadkingdresser]

What's the top end gasket kit would you use for leak proof?

[motorhogman]

I always had great luck with James on my shovel heads. I don't know if the quality is still there but I swore buy them. Never a drip from anywhere on my 73 Super Glide. Not even the rocker shafts.

[Ohio HD]

"Leak proof" is more condition of proper assembly and gasket sealing surfaces square and flat.

[roadkingdresser]

I agree with you on the flat surfaces.I was leaning towards the Jims gaskets, just looking for a little advice. thanks!

[Ohio HD]

When I had Shovels years back I was using James gaskets. They were as good as any back then.

[RTMike]

Cometic these days

[capn]

Cometic especially head gaskets.You don"t have to retorque.Makes the job much easier.

[JW113]

What ever brand you choose, Foam-met seem to be the cat's meow in gasket technology these days. And yes, James makes Foam-met gaskets, so does Cometic I believe. For the heads, can't beat MLS type. Cometic makes a nice one that's coated with some sort of rubber or viton?

-JW

[guppymech]

I bought a James engine overhaul set with fire ring head gaskets and have had no leaks with any of them.  I've had the top end apart a few times since then and have had good results from Cometic paper rocker cover gaskets and .032 solid copper head gaskets.  The copper head gaskets don't loose head bolt tension and are reusable if you anneal them and spray with Permatex Copper Coat. ymmv

[76shuvlinoff]

I have had James with the bead on my rocker boxes and Cometic MLS on my cylinder bases and heads for over 15 years. Still dry.

[kink04fxd]

Cometic especially head gaskets.You don"t have to retorque.Makes the job much easier.

Cometic for sure. Never "retorqued" a head gasket. Never a problem.

[Hillside Motorcycle]

Cometic here, but if using a James kit, by all means the metal rocker gaskets.

[JSD]

I used James fire ring Head Gasket on Pan & Shovel but now use Cometic MLS as Tech has advanced. I have S&S cycle .032" copper but have not tried them