Head gasket gl1000

[derrick woods]

Well unfortunately this cold weather has showed a head gasket weeping on my 76 gl1000 so long story short is there a gasket kit that everybody is having good luck with? Now remember I ride a lot so I want to know what is the best kit don't wanna change it again in a year

 

[pidjones]

Most all will say Honda, though I have had success with others when carefully prepared.

 

[derrick woods]

Have you had any luck with vesrah? That's the brand radakk sells

 

[pidjones]

Never used Vesrah, but properly prepared (100% clean, flat surfaces on both head and block) should work fine. BTW, Randakks is just a subsidiary of Z1 Enterprises which also owns Dime City Cycles and Mikes XS.

 

[derrick woods]

Yeah I know they are honestly I thought about having the block surfaced so I could run mls gasket and be done with it but I would have to stud the block

 

[DaveO430]

Have you had any luck with vesrah? That's the brand radakk sells

Versa from what I heard is what Honda uses. I used a set once and they were good quality.

 

[Old Fogey]

I have used Vesrah or Athena for years with no trouble. The vast majority of problems with aftermarket gaskets are due to not following the proper installation procedure to the letter.
The biggest failure is is to not Moly grease the bolt threads AND under the bolt heads.
The second is not taking the torque to 45ft/lbs. Many of the old manuals will still have the original 40 ft/lbs.

 

[derrick woods]

I have used Vesrah or Athena for years with no trouble. The vast majority of problems with aftermarket gaskets are due to not following the proper installation procedure to the letter.
The biggest failure is is to not Moly grease the bolt threads AND under the bolt heads.
The second is not taking the torque to 45ft/lbs. Many of the old manuals will still have the original 40 ft/lbs.

Thanks man I actually own a small engine business so I definitely understand the preparation step basically was just needing info on the best gasket for the job actually considering milling surfaces and using mls

 

[derrick woods]

Got the heads off today there was one head bolt that was backed off. think that's what caused the initial problem cylinder bores look fantastic barely any carbon no rings at top of bore. Some carbon on valves not bad though. So I checked the valves for leakage with vacuum pulled and it's all good but my question is since I'm getting the heads decked should I lap the valves or no? They don't leak but I'm concerned that they will need dissembed since they will need cleaning after milling

 

[pidjones]

You don't lap these valves. They are Stelite faced. If they seal well, about all you need to do is maybe install new stem seals.

 

[derrick woods]

You don't lap these valves. They are Stelite faced. If they seal well, about all you need to do is maybe install new stem seals.

Alright thanks wanted a second opinion I knew that they had that coating on them that's what I asked can they be cleaned up in any way?

 

[derrick woods]

Got everything surfaces today cleaned up and ready for gaskets does anyone have the part number of the dowels that go into the head or at least the size.im gonna put some new valve seals too does anyone know if it's safe to clean the carbon off these valves

 

[pidjones]

Sure, you can wire brush the valves. The dowel part numbers are on the parts lists/drawings available on many Honda parts suppliers web sites. Don't forget the oil flow restrictor and o-rings.

 

[user 5919]

My 1976 LTD had Antifreeze Leaked and it Steamed. I am currently working on it.. Got this Head Gasket from Sabre Cycle in Kansas City Missouri. I’m hoping to ride it out to Oklahoma Polar Bear run this weekend…Today I just watched Dan Filipi’s YouTube channel gl1000 camshaft on the 1200 it’s pretty cool!

 

[claydbal]

Got everything surfaces today cleaned up and ready for gaskets does anyone have the part number of the dowels that go into the head or at least the size.im gonna put some new valve seals too does anyone know if it's safe to clean the carbon off these valves

yep, dont lap the valves. honda actually said dont do it way back then. i chuck valves in a drill press and use emory cloth to clean da carbon off. note, dont hold the emory to the valve with your thumb for long unless you like blisters!
oh yeah, i have used vesrah gaskets and brake pads on lots of jap bikes over the years. they work!

 

[derrick woods]

yep, dont lap the valves. honda actually said dont do it way back then. i chuck valves in a drill press and use emory cloth to clean da carbon off. note, dont hold the emory to the valve with your thumb for long unless you like blisters!
oh yeah, i have used vesrah gaskets and brake pads on lots of jap bikes over the years. they work!

Do these gaskets require any copper spray or dry? The Honda Manuel doesn't specify

 

[kerryb]

I've done 4 engines with Vesrah gaskets and copper spray, no problems yet (5 years).

 

[derrick woods]

I've done 4 engines with Vesrah gaskets and copper spray, no problems yet (5 years).

Ok thanks only reason I ask have you ever had any problems with electrolysis using copper spray with aluminum

 

[pidjones]

Clean, flat head and block surfaces plus proper torque (many use moly on bolts and washers) are the key to leak-tite head gaskets, in my experience.

 

[derrick woods]

So copper spray or none service Manuel doesn't confirm that's really the only question I have