Separating top end from bottom end in one piece?

[Trigger]

Apologies for straying of topic, but did I read recently that if using the Vesrah gasket set not to use the 2 x O rings provided for the cylinder head oil control valve?. Do I just purchase two Honda items instead?

Honda 0'rings are only for original Honda gaskets.
The problem is that all aftermarket gaskets are thicker than the original Honda one and the gasket manufactures just took the Honda information size O'rings and put there packs.
I up grade all engine 0'rings when building a engine. I keep trying to find time to maker up kits of upgraded 0'rings but, never found the time yet and also some aftermarket head gaskets are different thickness to another manufacture 

[Sesman]

Thanks Trigger. I’m about to reassemble my 550 using a Vesrah kit and now I have doubts. I don’t suppose you could advise on where I might get some suitable O rings?

[Bryanj]

Same problem with Honda gaskets. It happened after asbestos was outlawed as gaskets had to be thicker to retain strength

[Trigger]

If you PM Julie with the size of the hole in the gasket and the thickness of the gasket, she should sort you out 

[Sesman]

Sound, will do. Thanks.

[Bryanj]

Bought a few years ago ken, would you like one?

[robvangulik]

I did just that in the 80's for my 836, worked fine, and am busy making one for my 54mm "big bore"  400f, I have never seen them for sale, where do you get them?

[K2-K6]

Related but not specifically gaskets. I looked at some components in both brass and copper that someone had made from sheet into old large format camera components,  they'd been lazer cut to his design and were absolutely immaculate in technical execution with stunning accuracy and no distortion in the finished item.

No idea about supplier but probably worth enquiries to see if someone offers that facility on a one off basis as scan / layout is so easy with kit available now.

Anealling for copper is red heat then cold water quenching to get soft properties and best sealing.

[alexdecker]

Thanks all for the replies!

In regards to the sealings - I just redid the top engine with the Vesrah gasket kit, and proceeded to drive around 1000 km. within the next week. No leak. So can totally vouch for the usability of the Vesrah kit (I got the complete one).

As to separating top from bottom, I guess it will still be somewhat of a major disassembly again. So with that in mind - as long as Im in there, what would you guys recommend fixing in the bottom end besides primary chain?

- Alex

[Bryanj]

Primary dampers, camchain, all the seals

[philward]

And check cam train rubberware

[Sesman]

In respect to the Vesrah kit, did you use the o rings that came with the kit? I’m advised to use a 3mm thick o ring for the cylinder head oil valves rather than the standard 2.5mm item?

[Bryanj]

Pm sent Ken

[alexdecker]

In respect to the Vesrah kit, did you use the o rings that came with the kit? I’m advised to use a 3mm thick o ring for the cylinder head oil valves rather than the standard 2.5mm item?

Yes, I only used sealers and O-rings from the Vesrah kit…

- Alex

[Sesman]

Cheers Alex.