Making crankcase gaskets ?

[NuggyBuggy]

I've torn down my first saw (Husky 266xp) and looking at putting it back together.... the crankcase gasket was ruined when I split the case.

I know they can be ordered for not much money, but I can't wait, too impatient I've read other threads about making gaskets but none dealing specifically with crankcase ones, which would seem to be far more difficult than the ones most are talking about I checked the Husky IPL and there seems to be no part # for the crankcase gasket.

Is this easy to do, should I use some sort of sealant ? I've seen in another thread that bsnelling recommends Threebond 1194. Do I just squirt that stuff on the mating surface and press together ? Is it easy to split the case later if used ?

thanks everyone,
terry

 

[blsnelling]

If you go without a gasket, you very well may end up without enough room between the bearings for the crank.

 

[NuggyBuggy]

If you go without a gasket, you very well may end up without enough room between the bearings for the crank.

Thanks Brad, I didn't think of the tolerances involved. Is cutting my own crankcase gasket crazy ? It does seem like it'd be a lot of work, but it'd be nice not to have to wait the 2 weeks to get parts from the US or my local dealer.

terry

 

[blsnelling]

I did it once when I couldn't get a gasket. It was a pain, but can be done.

 

[AUSSIE1]

I've never bought a gasket for the cases for the same reason. I make my own. With the right inexpensive easy to obtain tools, it's relatively easy.

 

[Scooterbum]

It's easy. Just get a sheet of gasket material.
Take some grease and smear it on the surface where the gasket is going to go.
'Place this on the sheet and press down.
It will leave a perfect pattern to cut out with an exacto knife.

Been making that way since I was a kid, had an uncle show me.
A lot of phone books and Sears catalogs missing their covers in our house back then

 

[struggle]

I've never bought a gasket for the cases for the same reason. I make my own. With the right inexpensive easy to obtain tools, it's relatively easy.

What easy to find tools do you speak of:smile2:

I cut a new gasket out the other day with just a small utility knife and it worked only marginally. It worked in the end but was not that precise.

Any pictures of what you use would be helpful. I was thinking somthing like a hole punch for bolt holes. But for larger round holes for carbs not sure on that one. Some type or round sharp edge tool to go around the circle to cut through the material?

 

[NuggyBuggy]

struggle, this is a good thread I found after posting that describes pretty well how to make one: See, in particular, Erick's posts starting at #10. I might try it. No, actually, I WILL try it.

Question 1: at first I was wondering whether I need to have the same gasket paper thickness as factory. The thread I linked to suggests that having a thinner gasket than stock is desirable. Can someone explain this ? Does the thinner gasket compress less, thereby granting a boost in compression ?

Question 2: I had assumed that the purpose of the gasket was to seal the area and prevent leakage out, but I can't see how paper bags and cardboard could do that over any long period of time. Why aren't the paper bags or cardboard that people talk of using, destroyed/dissolved ?

 

[Frank Boyer]

I use a 1 lb ball peen hammer to cut gaskets. Set the gasket material on the surface and slowly go around. The flat side does the shape and the round end does the holes. I put a bolt in each hole to keep the gasket material from shifting.

 

[Fifelaker]

Mr Boyer my dad did this in his saw shop in the fifties and I do it that way today. i have found that a lead hammer does not hurt the corners like a ball peen can. Dad could do it all with a ball peen. Lay your gasket out and tap it out no cutting . I will see if my kid can do a vid if it would help anyone.

 

[Frank Boyer]

I learned it from my Dad in the late 50's. I miss him.

 

[kevin j]

conveyor belt punches work well for cutting bolt holes.
empty brass ammunition cases of various calibers work well also. .22, .223, etc. Don't last long but are precise and round

 

[Scooterbum]

Left this part out, to make the holes I use a small socket that's been sharpened.

Cheap flea market 1/4" deep set has worked for me for years and covers most all sizes.

 

[Frank Boyer]

The round end of the ball peen hammer does a good job of making the holes. You have to go slow and tap lightly. Put a bolt in every hole, as you cut them, to keep the new gasket aligned. I have hole punches to 1" and still use the hammer to cut gaskets.

 

[lone wolf]

What easy to find tools do you speak of:smile2:

I cut a new gasket out the other day with just a small utility knife and it worked only marginally. It worked in the end but was not that precise.

Any pictures of what you use would be helpful. I was thinking somthing like a hole punch for bolt holes. But for larger round holes for carbs not sure on that one. Some type or round sharp edge tool to go around the circle to cut through the material?

Exacto knife and a hole punch.

 

[lone wolf]

struggle, this is a good thread I found after posting that describes pretty well how to make one: See, in particular, Erick's posts starting at #10. I might try it. No, actually, I WILL try it.

Question 1: at first I was wondering whether I need to have the same gasket paper thickness as factory. The thread I linked to suggests that having a thinner gasket than stock is desirable. Can someone explain this ? Does the thinner gasket compress less, thereby granting a boost in compression ?

Question 2: I had assumed that the purpose of the gasket was to seal the area and prevent leakage out, but I can't see how paper bags and cardboard could do that over any long period of time. Why aren't the paper bags or cardboard that people talk of using, destroyed/dissolved ?

Use gasket material from auto store.

 

[67L36Driver]

A leather punch (star wheel thingy) works great for the small screw (#6, #8, #10 and #12) and impulse holes.

Most times a simple paper punch can be used to nibble out a large hole.

I'd avoid hammering on a mating surface if possible.

Yamabond is GREAT!