HarleyTechTalk

Technical Forums => Shovel Head => Topic started by: JSD on July 01, 2023, 12:44:57 AM

Title: Base gaskets
Post by: JSD on July 01, 2023, 12:44:57 AM
I ordered the James paper for my 68 .032" for base gaskets there paper type ?should i put some sealer on them like Threebond white or use dry ?
Title: Re: Base gaskets
Post by: billbuilds on July 01, 2023, 02:03:25 AM
     I was told by a long time wrench to put them on dry. You prolly know to retorque the base nuts after heat cycles are complete then again at 500 miles or so.
Title: Re: Base gaskets
Post by: RTMike on July 01, 2023, 08:34:27 AM
The Foamette gasket are the the new rage and they are number one at sealing,I prefer them over all the former gasket material including steel. :potstir:
Title: Re: Base gaskets
Post by: capn on July 01, 2023, 09:34:44 AM
On paper base gaskets I would use copper coat spray.
Title: Re: Base gaskets
Post by: Excalibur on July 01, 2023, 03:59:16 PM
I greased my base gaskets, worked perfect. Mind you, the surfaces were nice and very well prepped. Clean, shiny clean, degrease with brakleen. I like the black moly grease for this application.
Title: Re: Base gaskets
Post by: 76shuvlinoff on July 01, 2023, 07:29:26 PM
Cometic MLS gaskets here top and bottom of the jugs. I put them on dry and re-torqed after heat cycles twice.

Dry for over 15 years now.
Title: Re: Base gaskets
Post by: JSD on July 01, 2023, 11:22:08 PM
I have full cometic kit. I will use MLS on head. Torqued to 60 ftb.
Title: Re: Base gaskets
Post by: dusty1 on August 21, 2023, 07:56:41 PM
As Capn said, copper spray. Its sticky, so gasket wont move when installing cylinder, seals, and makes future gasket removal easy (little to no scraping).
Title: Re: Base gaskets
Post by: Reddog74usa on August 22, 2023, 09:36:04 AM
I tried the cometic steel base gaskets and they leaked real bad so I'll never use them again. Went with James for the base and MLS on the heads and it worked  out great. I always prep gasket surfaces very well as who wants to have to back in but those steel base gaskets leaked anyway.
Title: Re: Base gaskets
Post by: JSD on August 22, 2023, 06:18:39 PM
Yes i was a bit suss on the steel base gasket causing leaks. Thanks for reply's all .