Technical Report

Some Technical Information Concerning Engine Joints

Head Gasket:
It is located between the cylinder block and the cylinder head.

 

Purposes:

The Head Gasket aims to ensure the tightness of the combustion chambers, as well as the continuity of the engine cooling circuits and the oil passage circuits to lubricate it.

 

The gasket material must be able to prevent the gas mixture, refrigeration or oil from entering the adjacent circuits. Must have high technical resistance, chemical, gas and mechanical mixing.

 

The gasket has holes to ensure continuity of the various circuits passing through the engine as well as for the passage of the cylinder head fastening screws to the engine block.

 

The old joints consisted of graphite hydraulic cardboard (asbestos) and were later replaced with two layers of cardboard (non asbestos) reinforced with a layer of steel or copper or multiple sheets of steel called MLS.

 

So that we can clarify some terms in the segment of Motorcycle Engine Joints:

 

Right side cover gasket: manufacturer term

Clutch Cover Gasket: custom of applicator

Left Side Cover Gasket: Manufacturer’s term

Magneto Cover Gasket: custom of applicator

 

Almost all of our engine kits and “A” kits have two versions: Steel Head Gasket and “PAK” Head Gasket.

 

“PAK” = Hydraulic Cardboard + Sheet + Hydraulic Cardboard

 

A motorcycle has an average life of 4 years, depending on its use.

 

Problems such as not preventive maintenance, but corrective (much more expensive), theft, the use of poor quality parts and, mainly, applicators with little technical information, make the life of a motorcycle is very short.

 

It is prudent to inform buyers that we have the two versions with different prices – Steel more expensive and “PAK” a little cheaper.

 

When the engine block is not so damaged, the Steel Head Gasket is used.

 

When the engine block is badly damaged, already in the 3rd or 4th grind, it is interesting to use the “PAK” head gasket, because of the grooves in the engine block, the mechanic is not always careful to use tool to remove the old gasket. This will allow grooves, which the installed “PAK” head gasket will accommodate more accurately, avoiding leaks.

 

We hope to have contributed with simple information, but if used properly will avoid major inconvenience to end customers.

 

KRATER – Motorcyle Division