Leaking gaskets

[IronButt70]

Been using James gaskets for years. After doing some top end work and replacing the rocker box and rocker cover gaskets, went for a 30 minute test ride and came home to find the entire engine covered in oil. Replaced the gaskets again, made sure torque sequences and tightness were at factory specs. Same result after test ride. Cleaned it all up and sprayed all the gasket areas with body powder. 5 minute test ride. Picture shows it all. Replaced with OEM gaskets, no more leaks. Don't know what happened. Visually the James gaskets look fine. Won't be using them again.

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[fbn ent]

I have come to the point that I always use OEM gaskets on the top end.

[FLDavetrain]

Ditto, OEM only

[RoadKingKohn]

I had the same type of thing happen with an oil pan gasket. I ended up fixing it with some RTV on both sides of the gasket.

You did not notice if the gaskets were made in China?

[JSD]

James gasket made in China?

[calif phil]

Suppose they could be imposters if bought on Amazon. 

[jsachs1]

I use COMETIC, and also CYCO gaskets, on everything I work on, when available. This ALSO includes their multi-layer Head Gaskets, which I had them re-design shortly after the "Twin Cam" engines first came out. (Rivet area originally was hitting the PUSH ROD COVERS) Never had a problem with any of the gaskets they sell.
John

[JSD]

Nice one John . James have been good for me.  I do use Cometic MLS head gaskets.

[koko3052]

I have used Cyco gasket sets & head gaskets for years without a problem.👍
But back to the OPs problem, maybe you have some warped covers and the OEM gaskets may be thicker? Can always be checked for flatness on a granite plate or even a table saw.

[IronButt70]

I have used Cyco gasket sets & head gaskets for years without a problem.👍
But back to the OPs problem, maybe you have some warped covers and the OEM gaskets may be thicker? Can always be checked for flatness on a granite plate or even a table saw.

That's a good point. I have an unused set of both. I'll mic them and see if there's a big difference.

[IronButt70]

Suppose they could be imposters if bought on Amazon.

I did buy them on Amazon. Lesson learned.

[jsachs1]

I used James, when I first started working on Harleys ( Sportsters, and Evos ). They moved out of Cali. to Nevada, and it became a problem to get product for awhile. Actually, I had them (Ralph C.) making .030" head gaskets back in the day, when NO others offered any. That was a story in itself.
John