Copper head gaskets

[czakky82]

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

[Chuck in Indiana]

Wiser heads  may show up, but I doubt you need to retorque them at all.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

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.

[czakky82]

Thanks guys.

[moto-uno]

  I got rid of that nuisance some time ago by having copper base gaskets made for my Le Mans2 . Peter

[John A]

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.

[czakky82]

@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]

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.

[Turin]

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.

[czakky82]

What did you use to seal the copper?

[Guzzistajohn]

Copperhead? No Thanks!


instagram photo download chrome

[John A]

Copperhead? No Thanks!


instagram photo download chrome

They don’t eat much…

[Turin]

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.

[czakky82]

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.

[moto-uno]

  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

[guzziart]

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