Forum

[Cov Lad]

If you need a hammer then the gasket is scrap imo.
If you must hammer it, anneal, hammer and anneal again.

I'm sure I read if its laminated copper it is not possible to anneal. I can see three layers does this signify laminated? I have my blow ready.

[Adrian]

if it's a SOLID copper gasket you can anneal it. Copper/asbestos-or-whatever/copper, no!

A.

[Cov Lad]

Thanks for the information I have been reading Speed and how to obtain it by the staff of "The Motor Cycle", 1925, reprinted in 1962, this and Hitchcock's accessories book. I now have a better understanding of the various grades of gasket and sealants. The po opted for the cheapest £3.50 "copper" gasket so cannot be annealed. I still cant decide between a proper copper gasket or a composite.

I have been looking for my dads very old school and probably out of sorts torque wrench to no avail. I'm guessing that its worth buying one if I am going to live with the Enfields. Int he meantime can I get away with nipping up the head bolts by judgement? Posts on her suggest tightening the two main nuts first and then the ones beneath the rocker covers. Should the first two bolts have washers? None fitted. I was thinking of fitting spring washers.
Lastly would p800 wet and dry be sufficient for cleaning up the surfaces or should I go with a higher grade?
Apologies for typos red wine and a very old toshiba laptop with bad keyboard.

[Adrian]

I'd start with something like 360 and then go up to a finer grade. 800 would be my choice of a finishing grade, you're only trying to flatten and smooth things, not polish them.

A.

[papasmurf]

I have been looking for my dads very old school and probably out of sorts torque wrench to no avail. I'm guessing that its worth buying one if I am going to live with the Enfields.

I found I needed two as most of the torque settings are below 25ft/lbs But there are some in the "normal" area so I had higher ft/poundage one as well. (Care is needed on 26tpi threads 35ft/lbs ends up at two tons on the bolt. )

[PeteF]

Lastly would p800 wet and dry be sufficient for cleaning up the surfaces or should I go with a higher grade?

800 would be plenty fine enough (600 would do IMO)
Do the final finishing in a circular motion so that the final "scratches" are across the direction that the joint would want to leak instead of in line, it helps.

[Dinsdale]

Also make sure that there is not a squashed washer still in the top of the head preventing it from snugging down. Hitchcock's do a set of hardened washers to prevent them from distorting - well worth replacing Part No 90123 check the fit for your bike

[Cov Lad]

Sorry for late reply, thanks for information.