Gasket brands, do they matter? And other questions 225DX

[splangeland]

I have a 1984 225DX and noticed there is oil seeping from my head gasket. I looked on ebay and found I can get a NOS head gasket for $15 or I can get a whole top end gasket set starting at $19 based on what brand it is, but ya know what they say, you get what you pay for. Is that the case with these gasket sets? I believe the cheapest set for $19 is Namura. I searched and the only thing I could really come up with was people like the Cometic's which cost $35. I'm strapped for cash so this needs to be as cheap as possible, but at the same time, if I spend $19 for the cheapest set just for them to wear out in 6 months it is not worth it at all. Two questions. 1. Is the cheaper brand worse than the more expensive brand? 2. Is it necessary to get a whole top end gasket set, or should I get just the head gasket? Also, does anybody know if you take the head off without pulling the motor? Thanks a ton

[goump1995]

Gasket brands do matter, but only to a certain extent. Cheapest isn't always the best! For my 185 and for every ATC I've rebuilt, I've always tried to get the ones that come in these packs:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121052318138?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Took a while to find it, but it's Genuine Honda. It's worked perfectly for the passed years.

Hope this helps
-Travis

[goump1995]

I've also had luck with Vesrah:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-83-85-YTM225-DX-Tri-Moto-Top-End-Gaskets-VESRAH-MADE-IN-JAPAN-/230921557848?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35c3ff5758&vxp=mtr

[dougspcs]

I got Versah gaskets last summer for a top end job on my 225DR..the head gasket didn't even fit across the dowel pins and I had to order from the dealer which set my machine back 3 days..

Get OEM!!!

[Jason125m]

Oem all the way son!!!

[splangeland]

This may sound really really...really dumb where do I find OEM stuff? the only way I can find it is to buy it all individual which is really pricey. Whats the thought, whole gasket set or just the head gasket? hopefully just the head gasket... I'm flat broke! XD

[splangeland]

http://www.bikebandit.com/athena-top-end-engine-gasket-kit?m=147012 ?

[BleedRed]

Nice thing about OEM is you can buy individual gaskets. I also like Cometic...always had good luck with them.

[muthey]

I've had great luck with spi for my yamaha's, and good luck with versah on my honda's, but I end up buying comple engine sets when I do, not just topend sets, otherwise I recommend going oem with your local dealer as sometimes they will cut you a deal on an open package.

[splangeland]

Ok thanks guys, I guess I will just go oem then