Is this head gasket any good?

[barrett8]

i took my head gasket out of the package yesterday and it is very warped. i was wondering if i can still use it or do i need another new one? i have never seen a head gasket come like this

[shortline10]

copper and no kinks it should be just fine

[barrett8]

ok i was just concerned because i have never seen a copper head gasket warped like this. thanks for the info !

[RubberSalt]

I've stepped on 1 and kinked it. It works great and doesn't leak lol

[mrmello]

Your bolts with straighten that right out no problem.

As long as there is no nicks in it and the surface is smooth on the gasket you are fine.

We use gaskets that look worse then that on semi trucks

[barrett8]

i figured it was ok but it is for my 84 cr 500 and they have enough head troubles as it is so i figured i would just be safe before i put it all back together

[barrett8]

well it turns out this didn't matter at all i went to put my motor together and the company sent the wrong gasket they where for a cr 450 so the base gasket doesn't fit at all

[viking]

Your bolts with straighten that right out no problem.

As long as there is no nicks in it and the surface is smooth on the gasket you are fine.

We use gaskets that look worse then that on semi trucks

I agree 100% with top info above
but when you retorque any head // bolt or nutts
make sure you do it in sequence also remember nice and nice and even and flat..
a little at each one until its down tight..when its tight a 1/4 of turn more for resealing old used gaskets..

KEY TO RETORQUE ALLWAY MAKE SURE ITS GOING DOWN EVENLY AND FLAT..

ALSO AFTER RUNNING IT FOR A WHILE CHECK IT AGAIN AND RETOURQUE IT AGAIN tO the PROPER SPECS.
Or just make sure it tight..

[leevarnado]

and never forget to use never seize.

[ametzker]

For copper gaskets if you have it, Use a propane torch just before installing it to aneal it and then put it on and torque it down. This does alot better job at sealing it in case of imperfections. I also do this if I want to reuse a copper gasket.

[RubberSalt]

To properly soften(often confused with annealing) a copper head gasket, you need to heat it up very hot, and rapidly cool it. The easiest way is to toss it in a bucket of cold water. Or if you have snow laying around, toss it in there.

Here is a simple guide. http://www.ehow.com/how_5304177_soften-copper.html

The advantage of a soft head gasket is the ability for it to compress and seal better. Also, with this process, you can reuse copper head gaskets.

Once it's all together, do a leak down test of the bike. I assume it's a 2 stroke by the looks of that head gasket. A leak down will tell you if there is ANY leaks.

[Xpress]

The easiest way to straighten that head gasket out is to donate it to someone who can use it lol.

[barrett8]

i can use the head gasket but my base gasket and reed gaskets are to small the cr 450 is smaller that bottom of the cylinder transfer ports and studs and the cr 450 has a smaller reed opening too