I don't build racing engines.

I have now fitted around 20 to standard engines however, they work perfectly - in my experience.

Credit must go to Doug Baker for this idea - he was brave enough to try it and share his experiences. I am very grateful he decided to "go for it".

Thanks chaps.

I have no doubt that they're great in standard engines (thanks R) but it appears that nobody has been brave enough to use one in an "extreme" engine (either blown or high reving/power).
Given that Alan and Ian, both chaps who's engineering knowledge I respect, share my concerns about a compressible gasket being a weakness I'll probably stick wth 515 unless someone who has actually used one in extremis comes forward.

Thanks

Charles

Charles,

my point is that someone has to try it first - you are obviously tempted so why not just go for it?

Can I also ask, if the Loctite works for you, why are you looking to try something else?

What I have done on the Bantam (most definitely not a racing engine) is
1. Stick a sheet of a fairly heavy grade of gasket material to the crankcase,using the block to hold it down. First punch holes for the studs of course.
2. Trim around the block with a craft knife, then lift the block off.
3. Trim around piston holes etc
4. Trim back the gasket sheet by about 5mm all around the perimeter.
5. Apply a thin bead of appropriate grade silicone all around the perimeter.
6. Replace the block and loosely fit the nuts, then wait for the silicone to cure.
7. Tighten the nuts. (I usually wait several days before doing this).

That's how I skin the proverbial cat. It works fine and practically no cost. The tin baffles would complicate things of course but Bantam doesn't have them, fortunately.

Ivan

Location: Wellington, NZ

First mover disadvantage puts me off, especially with the thoughts about creep.
However I'm always looking for better ways, hence my curiousity. I'd just prefer not to remove the block again. It's bloody awkward with the blower!

Charles

If it helps persuade you to try Charles, my Nippy runs the correct engine together with 9E77 cam etc, so the loads are probably fairly high, certainly far greater than your usual road engine...... I also have a rather heavy right foot
I will be experimenting with one of these gaskets in my special once I finally get the thing back together again, however I have been rather dragging my heels on this front recently.

Location: NZ