Gaskets are mechanical pieces made of composite fiber, rubber or other material that are engineered to seal the junction between two surfaces in an engine. They are designed to expand and contract with temperature and pressure variations throughout the life of the engine. Methods for handling and installing gaskets and performing other motorcycle maintenance seem to be as individual as riders themselves; however, there are important safety standards and performance factors to consider when it’s time to work on your bike.
It is a widely-held misconception that gaskets need sealant. Manuals for most motorcycle manufacturers specify that sealant is unnecessary, but it can even be harmful. When a silicone-based or other sealant is used, it can interfere with the proper function of the engine. Because the tendency is to use too much sealant, there is real risk of sealant clogging oil ways and causing serious mechanical issues.
By design, the gaskets themselves are the sealant. Gaskets are designed to swell a little when they contact oil, forming a tight, clean seal. The composite material from which gaskets are made is also specially formulated to endow the gasket material with characteristics that perform best in conditions specific to a motorcycle engine. By adding sealant, you interfere with the bonding properties of the gasket and change the way your engine components move against each other, leading to improper wear of engine components and impeding their function.
The type of engine your motorcycle runs on has an effect on how often work may be necessary. Air-cooled engines operate with a wider temperature gradient than liquid-cooled engines, so there is more contraction and expansion during normal operation, which affects engine life No matter which type of engine powers the bike you ride, you can skip the sealant at your next rebuild.
When it’s time to change the gaskets on your motorcycle, be sure to remove any of the old gasket material that may still be on mating surfaces. This can be done gently with a gasket removal tool or plastic putty knife. To protect and maintain valuable engine parts, avoid removing the old gasket with anything that will scratch or gouge your parts.
Using the right gasket really does make a difference in the life and performance of your machine. At Gasket King, we carry replacement gaskets for a full range of vintage motorcycles, and we have the capability to custom fabricate any gasket you need. Our gaskets are made in the United States from American-made material, and they all carry our guarantee. Call or click today to check out our line of gaskets and get the most out of every mile.
