Copper head gaskets - any thoughts?

[ktree]

I am interested in giving one a try for my cb750. The regular type "require" being re-torqued after 1000 or so miles, or once it starts leaking again. In the interest of not having to remove the engine mid season just to re-torque the head, I wanted to give a copper gasket a try this winter.
-has anyone used one?
-pros/cons?

I know I should anneal it with a torch before installing it. Should it be installed dry or use permatex copper gasket spray? Any help is appreciated

 

[Sonreir]

I've got one in my 360 right now and I used some copper gasket sealant when I installed it. It's the first time I've used one so I cannot comment from personal experience, but this is the general feedback I received before purchasing it...

Pros:
*Doesn't compress, so no retightening
*Transmits heat more efficiently between the head and jugs (can lead to better cooling)
*Can be stronger than normal gaskets (resists higher compression, etc without blowing through)
*Thickness can usually be requested to suit your purpose

Cons:
*More difficult to seal (it's why I used sealant) because it doesn't compress... mating surfaces need to be spotless and FLAT
*A bit more spendy than normal gaskets

 

[ktree]

I've got one in my 360 right now and I used some copper gasket sealant when I installed it. It's the first time I've used one so I cannot comment from personal experience, but this is the general feedback I received before purchasing it...

Pros:
*Doesn't compress, so no retightening
*Transmits heat more efficiently between the head and jugs (can lead to better cooling)
*Can be stronger than normal gaskets (resists higher compression, etc without blowing through)
*Thickness can usually be requested to suit your purpose

Cons:
*More difficult to seal (it's why I used sealant) because it doesn't compress... mating surfaces need to be spotless and FLAT
*A bit more spendy than normal gaskets

Thanks. What did you use for sealant? Threebond? Spray on copper coat?

 

[crazypj]

I use copper gaskets exclusively on big bore motors.
As long as you soften them first there are no problems.
I use Coppercote spray on sealer
The other major plus, they are re- usable multiple times, and, if they do eventually start to spread, you just file out the holes back to size
(I've only ever seen that done once on a Triumph, original gasket probably 40 yrs old)

 

[teazer]

On old triumphs copper is what they came with and works fine for years. I have had less success with heads on bikes with less even pressure across the faces and now I always use a Cometic Gaskets regular gasket. They seal up and just plain work every time. Your other option is a Cometic MLS I think they call it. It's a steel sandwich.

For a stock CB i'd use an OEM or aftermarket gasket and forget about it.

 

[crazypj]

I don't have any stock CB's (and only one of three XS 650's is still 650 ;D )