951 head gasket install

[JACKOMO]

Ive had mixed opinions on head gasket installation on the 951 engines. Is it best to install dry or rtv silicone? Or any other gasket adhesives? Thanks.

 

[Dr Honda]

RTV !!! ACK! Who told you to use that !!!! (they need smacked)


Any "Metal" head gasket.... You either put them on dry, or a coating of copper spray. (I like copper spray) If it's a coated or composite gasket... you put them on dry.

 

[- BiRkS_]

I agree. I never put anything on a headgasket unless the surfaces are slightly pitted, then normally I send it to a machine shop to be decked. But if I don't have the time, a thin even coat of permatex copper spray sealant will work.

I find most new head gasket jobs fail because they weren't torqued properly. Snug all the bolts then I like to split the torque procedure into 3 steps. And follow the torque sequence. Do that, there should be no worries of a leak.

 

[JACKOMO]

Awesome. Thanks for the quick responses guys!

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

To increase compression, scrape head back and forth on sidewalk to shave head (kidding!)

I like a dry gasket.

 

[- BiRkS_]

So thats how you got such high compression in your 951 eh Sportster? There's method to your madness!

 

[Dennis]

You can tell Sportster is old school.

Machining a head by scraping it back and forth on a sidewalk is a lost art. I've only known a few who could do it correctly. :rofl: