Hello,

Just got done rebuilding the top end of my m20 and used a new head gasket. When I throttle the bike there is a "squeak" and I can fill an exhaust leak at the head gasket near the exhaust valve. The top of the cylinder was machined for flatness (just a hair) I was told, while the actual bottom of the head was not. I torqued everything down in order and to the correct foot lbs.
(should I have used a gasket sealer?)
thanks

email (option): jeff@infinitymedspa.com

Hi Jeff..If you have a standard 'composite gasket' I would recommend binning it and fitting an annealed solid copper one...The pattern composites currently available are at best unpredictable...Ian

Give TTJohn a shout as he has had some very good gaskets made and at a reasonable price.

Don't hang about..he only has 3 left...I have a few as well...Ian

Would also recommend using a quality sealer, I've always used Welseal. Quite expensive but very good.
Cheers, Mick.

email (option): mick@motorbikemike.org.uk

Whereas I don't use a sealer...I have the head and barrel skimmed (if required) and just go with the gasket. I think the most important thing is that it is correctly annealed...Ian

there was a copper type of gasket sealer mentioned on this forum sometime ago