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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: czakky82 on March 25, 2023, 06:23:38 PM

Title: Copper head gaskets
Post by: czakky82 on March 25, 2023, 06:23:38 PM
I’m going back through my v7 sport project again…. I decided to try and set squish a bit better this time. I ended up with stock base gaskets and .032” copper head gaskets for a squish clearance of .044” and plenty of valve clearance.
Edit: Copper gaskets unlimited has dimensions for Guzzi 850 and 750 head gaskets. The 750 being of the stock type cylinders as opposed to the Gilardoni style.

Do you guys re-torque copper as much as the stock head gaskets?

I have usually done, 24hrs, 50miles, 500miles, 1k miles and never had a leak. Would this be overkill with copper?

Thanks
Bill
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on March 26, 2023, 06:41:49 PM
Wiser heads  :smiley: may show up, but I doubt you need to retorque them at all.
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on March 26, 2023, 07:22:24 PM
The base gaskets will still compress, so some retorquing will be necessary. How much? I'd give it 5 heat/cool cycles (up to operating temp/back to ambient) and retorque. Check it again at 500 miles.
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: czakky82 on March 27, 2023, 03:59:42 AM
Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: moto-uno on March 29, 2023, 08:14:57 PM
  I got rid of that nuisance some time ago by having copper base gaskets made for my Le Mans2 . Peter
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: John A on March 29, 2023, 08:40:15 PM
Sometimes I delete the base gasket altogether and use flange sealant if it helps set the squish. De grease carefully and I’ve not had leaks.
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: czakky82 on April 29, 2023, 02:18:39 PM
@John A, If I did this again that’s how I would do it…

I’ve got 6 or so heat cycles on these gaskets now. Apparently you do need to re-torque these gaskets as the valves did tighten up about .002” after.

I gotta say though this bike is running sooo much better! It’s got enough power now to actually pull in higher gears.
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: czakky82 on May 12, 2023, 04:50:06 PM
So I’ve re-torqued these twice more now. And they seem to be leaking… so I guess I’ll eventually swap for regular head gaskets.

Also I’m hoping the light ticking sound from 3500-5000 RPMs is an exhaust leak.
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: Turin on May 16, 2023, 08:04:45 PM
I went with copper head and base gaskets from CGU and we set the suish at .040 on my 850T. Will probably do the same on my Le Mans 3 when it's time for the new Cam.
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: czakky82 on May 17, 2023, 03:32:09 AM
What did you use to seal the copper?
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: Guzzistajohn on May 17, 2023, 04:16:27 PM
Copperhead? No Thanks!
(https://i.ibb.co/7j5hqtX/copperhead.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7j5hqtX)

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Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: John A on May 17, 2023, 11:03:21 PM
Copperhead? No Thanks!
(https://i.ibb.co/7j5hqtX/copperhead.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7j5hqtX)

instagram photo download chrome (https://500pxdownload.com/)





They don’t eat much…
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: Turin on May 20, 2023, 11:13:49 AM
I honestly don't remember. also don't remember the head and base gasket thicknesses. We will be doing the endurance racer replica in the next few months. That one has an RR3 cam and big domed Wiesco pistons from Ferraci. ( clearance sale!) Valve clearance will be crucial.

(https://i.ibb.co/hfYShyN/12-12-22-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hfYShyN)


(https://i.ibb.co/ZVjf1yZ/12-12-22-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZVjf1yZ)
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: czakky82 on May 20, 2023, 01:47:37 PM
So I’d like to hear more about that project!

I couldn’t get my head gaskets to seal. Free for shipping if anyone needs some v7 sport .032” head gaskets.

I couldn’t honestly tell a difference between current (stock) squish band. And my carefully measured .044” squish. YMMV

@John A, I tried the no base/stock head gasket route. I was at .034” and not enough clearance for intake valves.
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: moto-uno on May 20, 2023, 11:48:52 PM
  When I installed similar hi-comp , big bore pistons from Wiseco decades ago I ended up sinking the
Valves about 1 mm or so for adequate valve to piston clearance . Peter
Title: Re: Copper head gaskets
Post by: guzziart on May 21, 2023, 05:29:03 AM
FWIW, I'll consider myself fortunate that I've not had a problem with the copper head gaskets & fiber/paper base gaskets on my '72 Eldo.  I installed Millenium relined cylinders. CP-Carrillo pistons, rings & gaskets from Mark Etheridge - MG Classics.  I followed the engine break in/initial start after rebuild posted at This Old Tractor.  The Eldo has about 5k miles on it since the install.

Art