1984 ATC 250r Head Gasket Questions

[feo_nuts]

Hello all, I found the source of my death rev! Its a leaking head gasket. When I got the R the dude said the head studs was spinning. So I helicoiled them and they hold great. He had a new copper head gasket. Well it looked a little screwed up but not to horrible. One hole looked a little belled and I tapped it back flat. What baffles me is it still starts/runs/idles just fine. Holds 155psi constant. I let it sit for 30min and no pressure escaped. So the question is, where should I start? New gasket? Paper gasket, stainless steel, copper or what? I was going to get some gasket maker paper (cellulose) and cut out a template and double it up. I have put a straight edge to the head and it seems straight but I didn't use feeler gauges to confirm. Who really knows. So where should I start?

[feo_nuts]

P.S. the had bolts are torqued 1lb over what the book says. I have them at 22 ft. Lbs

[Yamaha_Rules69]

First, are you sure the head isnt warped? Maybe try anealing the gasket. Its a process that softens the copper to make it like new, by using heat. Google it, or try youtube. I wouldnt make a gasket for the head gasket, especially out of paper, and definatly not two seperate pieces at that. If the gasket is too f'ed up to save, just buy a new copper one. If you really want to ensure that it dosent leak, spray the copper gasket on both sides with that copper coat that comes in an areosol can. I have never tried it, but have heard wonderful things, especially when dealing with a copper head gasket. Good luck!

[skidoo99]

copper coat made by permatex, great stuff, use if on all my metal kawi 650 head gaskets and reuse them.