Author Topic: Copper head gaskets  (Read 1023 times)

czakky82

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Copper head gaskets
« 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
« Last Edit: March 25, 2023, 06:34:05 PM by czakky82 »

Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #1 on: March 26, 2023, 06:41:49 PM »
Wiser heads  :smiley: may show up, but I doubt you need to retorque them at all.
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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #2 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.
Charlie

czakky82

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2023, 03:59:42 AM »
Thanks guys.

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2023, 03:59:42 AM »

Offline moto-uno

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #4 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

Online John A

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #5 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.
John
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czakky82

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #6 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.

czakky82

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #7 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.

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #8 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.
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czakky82

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2023, 03:32:09 AM »
What did you use to seal the copper?

Offline Guzzistajohn

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2023, 04:16:27 PM »
Copperhead? No Thanks!


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Online John A

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #11 on: May 17, 2023, 11:03:21 PM »
John
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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #12 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.





1997 Daytona RS
1991 Rennsport California III
1991 LeMans 1000
1987 LeMans SE Dave's Cycle Racer
1984 LeMans III
1985 Sidlow Guzzi
1974 850-T Sport
1969 A-series Ambassador
1996 Triumph Daytona 1200
1996 Triumph Daytona 900
1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco SE 3.0

czakky82

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #13 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.

Offline moto-uno

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #14 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

Offline guzziart

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Re: Copper head gaskets
« Reply #15 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.

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