Can I use this Gasket?

[SeanFD]

I just opened my Verseh gasket set from DSS, to discover the head gasket was rusted.

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The rust, especially on the lower rings can be felt with my finger and scraping it with my fingernail doesn’t remove it, so it’s quite deep.

Can I use it as is? Should I clean the rust using scotchbrite, or similar? Or ask for a replacement?

[Nurse Julie]

Ask for a replacement.

[SeanFD]

Thanks Julie,

That was my gut feeling, even if only because, “it shouldn’t be like that“.

[Nurse Julie]

Thanks Julie,

That was my gut feeling, even if only because, “it shouldn’t be like that“.

Indeed. It doesn't look in the best of nick at all. Very unusual for a Vesrah gasket to be substandard but I suppose it depends on how it has been stored. Was the packet open at all anywhere that you noticed?

[Johnny4428]

Looks like there’s been moisture trapped within the packaging! I definitely would try for replacement too. Wonder if these normally have a light oiling.

[heli_madken]

Saw your post and thought I had better check my new 550 Vesrah gasket which arrived from DS the day before yesterday and sure enough some signs of corrosion -
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Not as bad as yours but the lower right patch is deep enough for me to ask for a replacement

[SeanFD]

No Julie, it was a real struggle to get into the packet - nearly as bad as getting at a ready-made sarnie!

I contacted DSS and they have agreed to send me a replacement - no quibble. ONly thing is, they don’t have one in stock at the moment so a bit of a delay now 

 

[SeanFD]

I got my replacement head gasket today and discovered that the corners, at the larger holes at the front have been bent over; there is a definite crease in the material. You can see this at the top of the left hand gasket in the picture.

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Also, while the Versah gasket has copper coloured ring around these holes and around the oil-flow regulator holes, the new one does not. 

Does anyone have experience with these replacement gaskets (DSS Part No: BCCFB-377-000P), because visually they don’t seem as good as the Versah, or the one I removed.

Secondly, can I use this damaged one, or should I ask for, another, replacement? The damage is clearer in this pic.

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[Nurse Julie]

I wouldn't risk it. If it were me, I would be sending it back, again. I can't see why Sliver keeps selling off sub standard stock 🤔🤔🤔.

[SeanFD]

 

Thanks Julie. My feeling exactly; I was just looking for some reassurance that I wasn’t being unreasonable.

On to the phone!

[SeanFD]

So I contacted DS and they have no alternative to the pattern part they sent me. They are aware of the issue with the Vesrah gaskets and have raised the issue with the manufacturer, but until this is resolved, there is no alternative.

I agreed to try another one, but then on reflection decided I didn’t want an engine leaking oil, or worse, so I sourced another online.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB-400-F-Four-1974-1977-Engine-Cylinder-Head-Gasket-OEM-Replacement/112709296334?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

This one is made by Athena, which is an Italian outfit that seems to be of produce a reasonable-quality product from what I can find. Thing is, it’s nearly twice the price.

Time will tell if it is worth it.

[Nurse Julie]

Athena Gasket sets are good.

[SeanFD]

I only got the head gasket, but happy to hear that the kits are good.

[heli_madken]

I eventually got a response from DS who have offered me a genuine Honda gasket for my 550 for £20, could they not do the same for you?

[Laverda Dave]

Athena gaskets are OEM fitment for a large number of Italian bikes. I always fit them where I can and never had a problem.