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Cometic gaskets on a Panhead

Started by Reddog74usa, June 17, 2022, 11:00:22 AM

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Reddog74usa

Getting ready to install the cylinders on my 62 FLH and found a metal and paper set of cylinder base gaskets in the kit. Any recommendations on which set to use?

Also I have the MLS gaskets for the heads however the instructions for tourque on them is for evo's n TC's. Do I just follow those instructions or tighten them down like you normally do on Pans n Shovels???

Anybody have any experience with cometic on a Pan?
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Ohio HD

I think @76shuvlinoff has used them on his Shovel. He may be able to answer about the torque, etc.

Reddog74usa

Thanks Ohio, I just sent him a PM asking about it. All the mating surfaces are very nice and the oil feed holes line up perfect with the metal base gaskets so they shouldn't be a problem. Knoiwing the correct tq would be real nice.
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Reddog74usa

Well as Red Fox would say, "Hey Dummy" Pan and Shovel info is at the very bottom of the instructions page which says to use factory tq specs on Shovels and Pans. I guess it's now only a question of which base gasket to use, paper or metal???
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Ohio HD

I'd be tempted to stay with the paper on a Pan / Shovel. They don't often leak there, and the case seam isn't always the best on the older bikes.

Just my 2 cents.

RTMike

I have been using the Foamette base gaskets that James makes they are superior to the others.

CraigArizona85248

I've always used the paper base gaskets.  Maybe one day I'll try something else, but I have a bunch of the paper gaskets hanging on the wall in the garage.  I'll probably use those up first.  Base gasket leaks are really rare in my experience.

For head gaskets, I've always used the James blue Teflon.  Again, there are probably other good options, but I tend to find something that works and stick with it until there is a reason to change it up.

-Craig

JSD

final torque 60 FTB on pan & Shovels, MLS

Reddog74usa

Thanks for the responses. I decided to go with the metal base gaskets and will report back with my findings after I get some miles on it. It will be a while as I'm still waiting on my heads to come back.
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JSD


Quote from: Reddog74usa on June 24, 2022, 07:44:32 AMThanks for the responses. I decided to go with the metal base gaskets and will report back with my findings after I get some miles on it. It will be a while as I'm still waiting on my heads to come back.
Any updates 

Reddog74usa

Well I paid for that little experiment   :angry:  the metal base gaskets are a leakin real good dispite very meticulous prep. Will be removing the top end today. The head gaskets did work fine but I don't know about reusing them and do not feel like doing this again. Whats the safe bet on head gaskets???
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Fugawee

Just My opinion...but if that is a relatively fresh rebuild with minimum miles or running hours on those Gaskets, I wouldn't have a problem re-using the Head Gaskets.

Reddog74usa

Less than 50 miles on it.
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Fugawee

October 07, 2022, 02:00:32 PM #13 Last Edit: October 07, 2022, 02:05:00 PM by Fugawee
Less than 50 miles, I'd re-use them.
Unless You would sleep better by replacing them.  Either way...Good Luck with It.

JSD


Quote from: Reddog74usa on October 07, 2022, 07:42:15 AMWell I paid for that little experiment  :angry:  the metal base gaskets are a leakin real good dispite very meticulous prep. Will be removing the top end today. The head gaskets did work fine but I don't know about reusing them and do not feel like doing this again. Whats the safe bet on head gaskets???
Thanks for update. 

SP33DY

About fifteen years ago I used the metal/silicone bead base gaskets twice. One Shovel, one early Panhead. Both leaked and I had to go back to conventional gaskets. Tops of the cases were mated well and flat so I didn't know why the metal gaskets didnt work.

Blue teflon head gaskets have been my choice on Knucks, Pans and Shovels for a long time now with no problems.

nmainehunter

I use the Cometic gaskets on my 63FL. You have to be aware of the tab on the head gaskets cause it hides under the intake spigot lip and will keep from sealing if your clamp doesn't go under it.

Reddog74usa

I'm aware of the tab on the head gaskets. They weren't the issue, it was the metal base gaskets that leaked. Replaced everything with James and went with the blue head gaskets.
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CraigArizona85248

I'll just throw in my $.03 (inflation adjusted) on reuse... I wouldn't do it. I'll bet that most times it would never be a problem. But I'd rather spend the $20 and know I won't have to do it again.

-Craig

Reddog74usa

Picked up a James top end kit and no more leaks  :chop:
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Hossamania

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it can take away everything you have.