Gaskets (diff.cover and others)

Post by **mac** » 01 Sep 2006 01:21 pm

Methinks a new thread for this - I suggest we use this for posts regarding gasket information, gaskets we cannot get, new sources we find etc. etc.
We can then keep all the gasket "stuff" together.

I will start it off with our current favorite the diff. cover plate. I have started to research materials etc. but in the meantime I have prepared a dimension drawing for anyone who wants to make their own up. (usual click to enlarge).

Gasket news, suggestions etc. - post away.

Mac.

Post by **shimon340** » 01 Sep 2006 01:39 pm

fantastic mac! thank you!

Shimon

Post by **mac** » 02 Sep 2006 09:46 am

I have decided to start a gasket 'bank'.

Any gaskets I now come across (new or used) as long as they are suitable to take a template from I intend to 'file'. They may just be useful in the future as others become 'unavailable' and we have to make our own.

I have started with - diff.cover, diff. to 5th gear housing, g/box cover plate,
g/box and diff. drain and filler plug washers, weber Dir32 top top gasket, B14 sump, B14 inlet/ex.manifold, B14 twin pipe downpipe,.

I suggest that when anyone carries out a repair, even if any gaskets needed are available, they retain the 'old' ones until it is decided who can/is able to hold the 'archive'. If you source any gaskets from non Volvo suppliers make a note of who and where.

Over time we should be able to build up a helpful resource.

Your thoughts eyeryone ??

Mac.

Post by **Vart** » 02 Sep 2006 04:48 pm

would i be a tad simple if i asked why plumbing washers can't be used as plug gaskets? shirly they come in all the popular sizes.

Post by **mac** » 02 Sep 2006 06:58 pm

A copper washer is a copper washer is a copper washer, (Vart).

Progress - the diff cover template is made.

Now to find the materials - I have e-mailed HeckerWerke about 'Centellen 3820' and also Jointine Products about 'Flexoid' which also seems suitable.
Depends who will sell me small quantities and at what cost.

Mac.

Post by **mac** » 04 Sep 2006 01:03 pm

Update! Diff cover gasket.

I have found a supplier of what seems to be suitable material. I have discussed with them sealing area, cover loading, and fluid type and they recommend a material 1.6mm thick (with a 25% compressability). It is possible that 1.2mm will be suitable. (material is hydrocarbon resistant and stable to in excess of 120c - and has been used as a transmission gasket material in the automotive trade before).

I have ordered a quantity to 'play with' and will make and test a gasket on Varts motor.

If the test proves satisfactory I shall be in a position to provide either ready made gaskets, or if preferred, an A4 sheet of material with a card template.

I have no idea of costs at present but the test gaskets are likely to cost about £3.50 £4.50 in materials. If we can all come up with a sensible 'production' quantity I can negotiate a bulk discount and hopefully bring the costs down.

If this all works out and I go ahead I would seek to cover the costs and postage only (I'm too old to start a new business now) - but I don't know how close we will get to 'dealer' costs.
Please remember it will always be more expensive to produce, say 50, gaskets by hand than a manufactures production run. We will have to be realistic.

Let us see if the 'test' works out first - but if it does I would appreciate everyones comments/suggestions before I invest too much dosh.!!

It may sound a little harsh but I don't want to end up with (50?) gaskets only for happy little souls to say "if they cost ore than 50p I'll make my own out of a cornflake packet"

Will report more when I've received the stuff and had a play!

Mac.

Post by **petefarrell360** » 04 Sep 2006 02:15 pm

Good stuff Mac! Good points about costs etc. In all cases, we don't want the person who has taken reponsibilty for helping develope and produce a part lumbered with a load of bits people feel are overpriced. Paying a bit more for a part, in my eyes is a million times better than not being able to buy one at all! Thanks for investing your time into helping us Mac, especially as you don't actually own a 300 anymore!
Pete

Post by **mac** » 07 Sep 2006 01:16 pm

diff. gasket update:-

1st. test gasket made - this will be trialled on Varts car. This one is of 1.6mm thickness.

I want to trial one of 1.2mm also. Who needs a gasket ? BUT more importantly be prepared to test the 1.2mm material for me. (a question of fitting it and keeping an eye out for leaks or seepages etc.) Gasket material is priced by thickness so 1.2 is 75% the cost of 1.6mm. The original gasket is 1.2mm but is of an aramid composite fibre with rather less compressability than 'my' material - hence wanting to trying both. ( I don't actually expect a problem with either though).

Being such a litigious little world these days I have to say this :- Fitting and use of a gasket supplied by Mac is the decision of the vehicle owner concerned. It is for the owner to determine the suitability or otherwise of the gasket supplied and Mac makes no claims as to the materials performance. Mac cannot be held responsible if you blow your diff. !!!!!

If I still owned a 300 that would be the test car.

If anyone fancies being experimented on let me know and I will produce a gasket and send it to them (free obviously).

Mac.

Post by **redline** » 07 Sep 2006 02:16 pm

Mac ,
you could always buy the redline as a test car (cant blame me for trying)

Post by **Cornholio** » 07 Sep 2006 02:22 pm

Or you could donate it as a test car. Then he may donate that clean rear door to me as he wouldn't have any other use for it...

Post by **redline** » 07 Sep 2006 02:25 pm

Cornholio wrote:b]donate[/b]...

Oh Gavin , you do make me laugh !!!!!!

Post by **SteveP** » 07 Sep 2006 03:15 pm

Maybe you should save it for when the Calibra breaks down again

Post by **Cornholio** » 07 Sep 2006 03:20 pm

Post by **redline** » 07 Sep 2006 03:31 pm

Oh now Isee

ITS PICK ON MICK WEEK AT THE V3M (sulks )

Post by **mac** » 07 Sep 2006 04:00 pm

!!!Threadjack!!! Children! - I shall get tetchy - This thread is about gaskets!

Mac.