Making own carb gaskets

[Guest]

Just curious how many of you guys make your own gaskets for carburetors?

I am about to go through and clean my carbs and adjust them.

I am considering making my own gaskets for them instead of dropping the cash for factory gaskets since I have gasket material and the appropriate tools to make them.

I just got my order from cycleorings.com. (So that's cool)

Just looking for input.

I am on a strict budget and still have a lot of things to go through since it is a new to me bike (1977 gs 750 b).

Any input would be appreciated since I could save a considerable amount of cash and pick up an ultrasonic cleaner from harbor freight instead, they are cheaper than carb dip.

Thanks again for any input.

[Nessism]

Homemade gasket on the left. Xacto knife, scissors, paper hole punch...

[halz426]

Very nice Nessism... : ) I'm hoping I have a good gasket to make a template out of.

[barnbiketom]

There are people who use those Cricut Expression and similar SCRAPBOOK die cutting machines. i've been thinking about it for some time now .. but don't know much about it.

[spyug]

I've made them for years. The first time you do it it can be a little fiddly but you soon get the hang of it. A little tip I was given by a pro mechanic is to take some axle grease and with yout thumb and forefinger work it into both sides of the paper. It will stop the gasket from sticking to the carb and it will come off easier next time.

Give it a go.

[gustovh]

I've made them for years. The first time you do it it can be a little fiddly but you soon get the hang of it. A little tip I was given by a pro mechanic is to take some axle grease and with yout thumb and forefinger work it into both sides of the paper. It will stop the gasket from sticking to the carb and it will come off easier next time.

Give it a go.

Now that is a good tip, yes make your own.
V

[anters]

i've made my own gaskets with good results. and i grease all of my gaskets. it makes install easier, jump starts expansion, and removal is much easier.

[halz426]

That's a great tip, appreciate it.

I will me making my own.

[83_450E]

Cereal boxes work great. I've used them on valve covers, differential covers, intake manifolds... the list goes on.

[makenzie71]

You guys all need craftsy women. My wife cuts most of my gaskets from cereal boxes using her Cricut.

[halz426]

Cereal boxes, seriously lol. (thats great) lol... I just got back after a few pints, that's awesome. lol. I think i will use gasket material, but I like the frugalness..

[83_450E]

You'd be surprised what trail fixes makes into actual repairs. Lots of everyday items are perfect materials with the right mindset.
Cereal boxes are pressed fiber, some times gasket boxes are better material than the gaskets themselves
Unless on exhaust sides...

[chuck hahn]

I just get them from Sirius Consolidated for the VMs...9 bucks for a pack of 4 cant be beat anywhere from what I have seen. Just order them a week before you "plan" on redoing the carbs.

[egetron]

hey, I accidentally ripped a gasket while taking apart my carbs;
I have a cereal box, but the box material appears to be almost half the thickness of the gaskets that are in there. Is this a problem?

[makenzie71]

I use card stock and a very light bead of sealer and it works fine. You shouldn't have a problem.