Header Gasket Materials

[jetpack]

For those that cut their own header gaskets, what is your favorite material, thickness, source and methods for cutting...

 

[Kez]

I use paper gasket material. I bought a big roll from Canadian Tire while I visited Canada last time. I am sure Auto Zone or even Walmart might carry it in the auto section.

The most difficult part is the holes for the bolts. I have found an easy way...Use a K&S brass tubing of the diameter of the bolt and sharpen the inner edge. Then use it as a punch on a block of 2X4. The holes cut this way are very clean.

I use a combination of ExActo blade and cuticle scissors to cut the gasket. In fact, I cut gaskets for the front and back housing this way as well and they fit very nicely.

 

[Jim Allen]

For those that cut their own header gaskets, what is your favorite material, thickness, source and methods for cutting...

I use two types of header gasket materials that come in sheets. Garlock high temperature (-40 to 650 deg F) & John Crane foil (-400 to 850 deg F). The Garlock material can be easily cut with sharp punches & tools from either side. The John Crane foil is more difficult to use & can only be cut from the unprinted side. Both materials I use are 1/32" thick, but they also come in 1/16" & 1/8" thickness. McMaster-Carr part #13015K51 (15" X 15")for the Garlock material & #95715K61 (12" X 12") for the John Crane material.

Both materials resist some acids, alkalines, water, grease, oils & detergents

Jim Allen

 

[Charles Perdue]

For those that cut their own header gaskets, what is your favorite material, thickness, source and methods for cutting...

No gasket, lap both surfaces flat, I use a sheet of 320 grit wet or dry sand paper on a glass plate with WD 40 as a lubricant and a small amount of 598 BR silicone as a sealer. Remove the top thread in the bolt holes with a light chamfer. No blown gasket and no leaks.