I need one of those handy tricks

[Snow]

Wow, that is a bit too tough! Once you go Pam, the less you'll say damn!

[81xsproject]

I got myself a sheet of asbestos (it was that or paper) gasket material and am going to make a gasket. I think I will use, I think it was, GNPIG's method of some anti sieze on surfaces when it goes back together.

[81xsproject]

Now all I have to do is figure out how I am going to trace the inner edge of the cover. I was thinking of putting a thin coat of antiseize on the cover and useing it as a stamp to mark the gasket material.

[Incubus]

Wetting the gasket with anything will make it more difficult to cut. Leave it dry and stiff. Otherwise when you try to cut the inside edge the gasket material will be limp and will tear easily. Trust me on this. If the old gasket is too far gone to use as a pattern, then cut the outside edge, cut out the inside, but leave it wider than it will need to be, then put it on the cover and mark where to trim it down. Use a single hole paper punch to take out the bolt holes.

PAM I've heard is good for saving gaskets, but I still prefer the thin coating of grease method. It seals well and makes it easy to reuse the gasket if you have to remove the cover again.

Patrick