Making head gaskets...can you?

[MX?]

Any reason why you can't easily make a head gasket?
Due to my 305 gasket being for an earlier model, it don't fit!!!
Chances are I'll never be able to track down the correct one, so what's the go.

[All Things 414]

I think I'd be making that one fit. It seems to fill the gap in all the right places. Just trim it so as those studs on the side will go through and I reckon you're there....

[evo550]

I think I'd be making that one fit. It seems to fill the gap in all the right places. Just trim it so as those studs on the side will go through and I reckon you're there....

Beat me to it, that's what I was going to say.

[cyclegod]

I'm in same boat too  (paddling with my hands up crap creek)

[Davey Crocket]

I reckon you'd slot that as well.

[MX?]

Thing is with this one, the misaligned stud hole on the right hand side of the pic has a recess under it (same as front left hole) so I can't see how cutting a bigger hole will help. If I get one made (laser cut) who does this and what's the best material do you use?

[Davey Crocket]

Try Queensland Gaskets, they make any oddball stuff you could want... sorry I dont have there number. Cheers John.

[cyclegod]

Here you go and it's local too...

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HONDA-XL250K3-305cc-BIGBORE-HEAD-BASE-GASKET-SET-NOS-/350237153708?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item518bc2d9ac

[Slakewell]

I have made XL head gaskets that didn't leak First off art and crafts shop buy some 1.5mm copper sheet.
If you dont have some buy some hole puches. Trim sheet close to size with tin snips finish off with sand paper, place on flat wood surface and punch your holes. For the large hole for piston use tin snips again and finish with sand paper, takes a bit work, I use a rat tail file and slot the one you have if the centre is correct. 

[vandy010]

i made a copper one years ago when i was at school for my RM125T.
it worked pretty well i though but i then put the stocker back on just in case.
i used super thin copper i was able to cut with scissors.

[VMX247]

http://www.coppergaskets.us/
Just in case for future reference.

Stanley knife/nail scissors or craft knife are also good for cutting.
good luck
cheers

[MX?]

Heaps of great info here! Thanks to all.
CycleGod......legend. I usually watch XL250 stuff daily, but haven't for a while now. Single 305 gaskets are pretty scarce. I would have thought I'd have had two chances (not much & F....all) of finding one.

[pancho]

I suggest that if you use sheet copper dont go to thin and after you cut it to the correct shape like slakewell said anneal it by heating it evenly red hot all over and let it cool or chill it with water [either way makes no difference], then carefully flatten it out especially around the wad punched areas. I would chase a correct gasket preferably, because you will notice that around the cylinder sealing area the the gasket is thicker which forms a sealing ring. cheers.

[matcho mick]

ACL specialised Gaskets ,30 bunya st,eagle farm Brizzy,MX? seeing as how we didn't all jump in an gazump you,(ta cyclegod  ),you should get some copies made,if they're hard to come by??,

[Freakshow]

if there is the centre sealing ring and  at least a few mm from that point, why does it matter if you cut into the one you have ?

isnt the sealing done from the point nearest the Opening, so a cut on the outside wont make any differance even if you remove a whole section, unless it makes it lopsided or unbalanced so as to change the thinkness but from the Poooftenth you need to cut out wont make any differance to the squish or sealing.