making own gaskets

[B Murphy]

I have a Cricut cutting machine that I use for all sorts of jobs, decals etc. Is there a website that has gasket templates for our classic bikes? I have looked but I may be looking in the wrong places.

[Spaceman]

The short answer is probably no but, when you say template, do you mean a scale drawing or do you mean a 2D CAD file (eg .dwg)? I assume the people who produce gaskets nowadays have generated a CAD file for them and are very unlikely to make them available to the public for commercial reasons?

[B Murphy]

Yes a scale drawing would be good. I saw some years ago on a Triumph forum but can't find them now. No worries I'll have to do them the hard way and make them myself on the Cricut software.

[ChrisG]

Interesting topic as most of the gaskets I buy for usual dealers don't fit properly. They are made from decent materials rather that the basic paper that they used a while ago, but there is usually a hole that is out and therefore a tight fit over studs etc. Or, side points cover gaskets that have too large an OD and sit proud of the cover showing a pink halo.
However, SRM are promoting their new range of gaskets as being measured and designed specifically for each application and guaranteeing they will fit. I will do a comparison of their prices compared to gaskets from other suppliers and let you know. (at some point in the future).

[BILL NELSON]

Interesting topic as most of the gaskets I buy for usual dealers don't fit properly. They are made from decent materials rather that the basic paper that they used a while ago, but there is usually a hole that is out and therefore a tight fit over studs etc. Or, side points cover gaskets that have too large an OD and sit proud of the cover showing a pink halo.
However, SRM are promoting their new range of gaskets as being measured and designed specifically for each application and guaranteeing they will fit. I will do a comparison of their prices compared to gaskets from other suppliers and let you know. (at some point in the future).

I make my own for the very reasons noted.
It seems some NOS has shrunk and has been used as patterns.
Another supplier told me that they made gaskets by photocopying engine parts & then scanning the copies into CAD. (I wonder why they don't fit?)
My mate bought an SRM oil pump & after 3 attempts to get a gasket that actually matched, I made him one all we got was the usual "Nobody else complains" followed by "the extra pressure will push the oil past the restriction"! I hope they are getting it right this time. Presumably they'll be using a reputable industrial supplier?
Does anyone have old/original gasket specifications as to materials and thickness?

[Rog1]

I make my own for the very reasons noted.
It seems some NOS has shrunk and has been used as patterns.
Another supplier told me that they made gaskets by photocopying engine parts & then scanning the copies into CAD. (I wonder why they don't fit?)

I think that they don't fit because many, if not all, photocopiers reduce very slightly even when they are set to copy same-size; I bought a pattern gasket set for a 1981 Yamaha and every gasket was slightly too small. If a part is copied at 99% full size (let's say) then a gasket that's supposed to be 10" wide will be 9.9" wide; enough to stop it lining up with your screw holes.