Author Topic: B44 Head Gasket  (Read 3980 times)

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ROBT

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B44 Head Gasket
« on: 09 March, 2017, 09:36:01 »
  I'm restoring a 1970 B44VS and am unable to find a new head gasket of sufficient thickness ( >0.045" ) here in the UK so I've dicided to attempt to make one from 1.2mm ( 0.047") copper plate. If I fail then I'll have the fire ring reduced in height to reduce the head to barrel gap which is at present 0.042".

Please can anyone advise -
Is the raised lip of the commonly available gaskets a neccessity ?
Is an interferance fit of the gasket to the side of the fire ring important ?

Thanks if you can,
Rob

JulianS

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Re: B44 Head Gasket
« Reply #1 on: 09 March, 2017, 10:19:09 »
The raised lip was originally introduced to prevent leakage.

Have you considered getting one from the USA?

These come in 50 thou;

http://www.bsaunitsingles.com/item.wws?cpubcode=BSAU&sku=41-0638

AWJDThumper

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Re: B44 Head Gasket
« Reply #2 on: 09 March, 2017, 12:51:13 »
Rob.

I would try phoning a few of the normal suppliers and ask what thickness they have available - hopefully, one will have a 47 thou head gasket for you. Unfortunately, they can be found with a variety of thicknesses with 36, 40 and 47 thou being the usual sizes.

ROBT

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Re: B44 Head Gasket
« Reply #3 on: 09 March, 2017, 17:06:51 »
Thanks for the replies so far.

I have enquired at the most hopeful stockists ( Draganfly, Ripe Motorcycles, Performance Engineering Services and my local Ray Fisher's Britbits) but no luck, the thickest so far has been 0.042". I considered the US but the cost of postage etc makes them quite expensive and therefor it was worthwhile having a go at making one.
Any other likely suppliers to try?
Any comments on the fit if the gasket to the fire ring?

Thanks

AWJDThumper

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Re: B44 Head Gasket
« Reply #4 on: 09 March, 2017, 17:32:21 »
Rob.

There are some other suppliers who might have one - I'm happy to give them a ring tomorrow morning and will let you know how I get on.

In terms of making one, I think you may be being a bit optimistic unless you've got the necessary tooling to do this accurately - trying to make one using hand tools would be very difficult. The last thing you want is for the head gasket to fail a few weeks after putting the bike back on the road!

ROBT

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Re: B44 Head Gasket
« Reply #5 on: 09 March, 2017, 17:49:02 »

Thank you very much and I welcome your offer and advice Arthur.
If no thick gasket is available would it be wiser to reduce the fire ring height as a remedy, making life easier in future?
I possess only hand tools and a degree of optimism!

AWJDThumper

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Re: B44 Head Gasket
« Reply #6 on: 10 March, 2017, 07:05:35 »
The simplest solution would be to get a head gasket of the correct thickness. I'll normally have a go at making most things but I know making a head gasket without the proper tooling is way beyond my capability to do accurately enough. I'll try a few dealers this morning for you after I've mucked the horse out!

JulianS

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Re: B44 Head Gasket
« Reply #7 on: 10 March, 2017, 10:19:14 »
Have you considered looking for a new old stock gasket - and also remember that the 1963 season on B40 used the same shape and size gasket head gasket, and the late B40G engine also used the lipped item.

Look at this one on E bay;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BSA-B40-WD-B40-Genuine-NOS-Head-Gasket-/252800939727?hash=item3adc1c36cf:g:8gsAAOSwTZ1XlTkD
« Last Edit: 10 March, 2017, 10:21:56 by JulianS »

AWJDThumper

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Re: B44 Head Gasket
« Reply #8 on: 10 March, 2017, 13:56:07 »
Rob.

I contacted 3 more suppliers this morning and, although the head gasket thicknesses varied, the max thickness I was able to find was 44 thou. I have one more supplier I can try when he's back tomorrow who specialises in BSA unit singles and, if any one can provide a thicker head gasket, he will be the man.

If not then the next best solution may be to get the fire ring skimmed depending on the cost.

OLIVER

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Re: B44 Head Gasket
« Reply #9 on: 15 March, 2017, 22:50:53 »
HI ROB . I THINK I MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS YOU HAVE WITH MY C15
A NEW GASKET BLEW .IN LES THAN FIFTY MILES
IVE GOT SOME SHEET BRASS .AND IM GOING TO DOUBLE UP .N MAKE ANOTHER GASKET
TO SLIP UNDERNEATH
IVE MADE MANY GASKETS OVER THE YEARS
IF THE BRASS IS NICE AND SOFT YOU CAN PUNCH THE HEAD BOLT HOLES OUT BY USEING A SMALL SOCKET ON A FLAT
SURFACE AND TAP WITH A COPPER HAMMER .
AND CUT IT OUT CAREFULLY WITH TINSNIPS
HOPE THIS HELPS.AND GOOD LUCK ;)