GL 1000 Head Gasket Mfg

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honestmann
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GL 1000 Head Gasket Mfg

#1

Post by honestmann »

After moving on to other projects for many years I picked up my third GL1000 basket case rebuild (1978 GL1000). My wife thinks I’m an idiot but I really enjoy getting these incredible machines back on the road and NGWClub remained in my favorites as a great resource.

Anyway long story short after everything but the engine was rebuilt, polished, adjusted and tuned I ended up with a head gasket failure. I rebuilt the heads and I’m ready to reassemble but and bought a head gasket kit from Randakks site which back when I rebuilt the other bikes was a very reputable source if supply….perhaps still is.

My question is the gasket in the kit is sourced from Japan but made by Vesrah and states on the package “equal to or better than OEM”? My question to the forum is any experience with this manufacturer should I move forward or throw $100 out the window and by OEM?

Thanks
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2011 Mazda Miata 280hp turbo
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gltriker
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Re: GL 1000 Head Gasket Mfg

#2

Post by gltriker »

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Re: GL 1000 Head Gasket Mfg

#3

Post by Whiskerfish »

Vesrah is one of the few aftermarket Head Gaskets that people have had good service from. Personally I have never used them but if I had one on the shelf I probably would.
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Re: GL 1000 Head Gasket Mfg

#4

Post by pidjones »

I personally believe that most head gaskets are fine IF the head and block are clean and flat, and the head bolts properly torqued.
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Re: GL 1000 Head Gasket Mfg

#5

Post by honestmann »

Very much appreciate the response’s. I’m moving forward as planned……thanks.
1976 GL1000
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Re: GL 1000 Head Gasket Mfg

#6

Post by cfairweather »

I have used several brands and they all have worked fine. PIDJones is right about preparing the head which is probably why people have problems. You must make sure all surfaces are clean. Consider spraying a thin coat of Copper Coat on both sides of the head gasket. If you use the Best Brand head gasket made in the USA, sold by Saber-Cycle, they tell you to use Copper Coat or a similar product or their head gaskets. I have used the Best brand on several GL1000s and they work fine. I have also used the brand sold by 4-into-1, and they work fine. To make sure the head is flat, I tape a couple of sheets of 500 grit sand paper, around the edges, on a perfectly flat surface and slide the head across the paper with even pressure. Do this in a figure 8 and you will be able to see and fix any trouble spots.
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Dr. Frankenstein
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Re: GL 1000 Head Gasket Mfg

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Post by Dr. Frankenstein »

I used Vesrah on both my '75 and '78 with no problems; and +1 on what Jones and Cedric said, esp the part about making sure the heads are flat and surgically clean. I used the Permatex copper spray on both sides, too - very sticky though when it sets up/before you put them on.
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Re: GL 1000 Head Gasket Mfg

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Post by redglbx »

I agree with everything said above, the surfaces must be clean, clean, clean ! Use the light coat of the Permatex copper spray and the only thing I have found past that is that I retorque the head bolts after a heat cycle or 2. Also clean the threads and some engine oil on the head bolts before reinstalling.

On my 76 the last time I had the heads off I had a local auto machine shop skim .040in off, 050in is the max before you risk valves hitting the pistons, this will increase the compression and ensure the gasket surfaces are flat, that’s been many years ago and they are working fine. My .02
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