head gasket

[dwilliams]

On my 45" I am about to put my top end together and I am using copper gaskets, what type of gasket selant should I use if any? And my cylinders were honed a long time ago and then they sat for awhile, they developed a little rust and looks slightly pitted on one small spot, does anyone think that may have any impact on compression?

[charlie frey]

Nothing on the head gaskets.
If you don't have a ball hone to clean the bore, some light emery paper will do fine.

[dwilliams]

Thanks alot D

[charlie frey]

Keep the change ;-)

[AdminGuy]

I made three sets of 45 head gaskets from roofing copper(good heat transfer). Quenched in water. Pre- fit on heads. Lightly cleaned and sprayed with ahhh.... 3M Super 77, industrial spray glue. Thin layer-both sides just before install. Once installed, I let that set-up for 24hours. Scrape squished glue away to make pretty.

Never had a head leak with this process. James gaskets just didn't do it for me. They are thick (insulated) and a one use deal.

I think some guys are leary of coating with anything as it will impeed heat transfer. I understand that. I consider this old porus warped stuff a great excuse for something to go wrong. I don't like doing things more than once.

[dwilliams]

45 valve springs

Thanks fellas for input I have one more concern about top end. I read in victory library that k-model valve springs can be used for higher tension on valves. I have hopped up motor a little and last time I rode I didn't have any problems with stuck valves or anything. But I want to do everything possible to achieve max output from the ol 45. I have k-model intake cams and oversize exhaust valves. Would there be any harm in using k mod springs? Or has anyone done it with no problems?

[AdminGuy]

At very high RPM the valves will start to float. Or your motor will grenade. One or the other. Hee-hee....

The higher tension spring will give you a little more top end. I would carefully check to ensure the springs have proper clearance and do not bind.

Perhaps welding the valve stem collet retainers into place would be smart.

Anyone else?