The BSA A7-A10 Forum

Technical (Descriptive Topic Titles - Stay on Topic) => A7 & A10 Engine => Topic started by: Stephen Foster on 15.12. 2011 16:35

Title: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: Stephen Foster on 15.12. 2011 16:35
Wonder if these are available & where if so ?
Would they be a good idea ?

Regards,
Steve..
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: Topdad on 15.12. 2011 17:11
Hi Steve, i'd look for threads from muskrat ,I know He's mentioned these from a company called Lannalis?? sure you'll see them on his posts and within the last week.,regards BobH.
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: muskrat on 15.12. 2011 19:20
 G'day Steve, Bob,
                         Lanni at copper gaskets unlimited http://www.coppergaskets.us/ he can make them in different thickness's to suit your needs and quite well priced. Make sure you anneal them well before use.
Cheers
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: Stephen Foster on 16.12. 2011 06:34
Many Thanks for the quick replies !
Will contact the supplier & ask for prices & carriage to the U.K .
Assume from positive comments that these are a worthwhile investment ? , Ive lapped the rocker box faces and they are nicely flat .

Best Wishes Everyone for Christmas & New Year ,

Steve..
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: Stephen Foster on 16.12. 2011 15:23
Just visited the website , wonder what the appropriate thickness in copper gasketmay be (Rocker box to head) (Rocker box inspection covers) , also notice they produce a copper base gasket ?
Anyone used any of the above please ?

Steve...
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: Ted_Flash on 17.12. 2011 10:53
Hi Stephen,

I just fitted a set of copper rocker box gaskets to my A10.  Despite taking great care making paper ones, they never lasted long and I ended up with oil leaks.  I've not used the bike enough yet to confirm that the problem is solved but I'm very sure this is the solution.

I bought them from Gaskets Unlimited in the U.S.  -the ebay link is: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BSA-A7-A10-TWIN-500-COPPER-ROCKERBOX-GASKET-/160641412112?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2566f96c10

The text of their ebay advert is : MADE IN USA..... THICKNESS .032  I CAN ALTAR THICKNESS BY REQUEST. I MANUFACTURE COPPER GASKETS FOR STOCK AND RACING APPLICATIONS. THIS GASKET IS CNC MACHINED FROM 100 PERCENT COPPER SHEET. PROBABLY THE LAST GASKET YOU WILL EVER NEED FOR YOUR ENGINE. COPPER CAN BE USED MULTIPLE TIMES IF NOT DAMAGED. U.S. SHIPPING IS FREE OVERSEAS SHIPPING WILL BE CALCULATED. ANY QUESTION ABOUT MY GASKETS YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT gasketman@cox.net

Actual cost inc postage was 23.00 USD - not cheap but worth it not to have to do the job again.

Cheers,

Ted
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: Stephen Foster on 17.12. 2011 11:12
Thank You Ted ,
Can I ask which gaskets You opted for , rocker box to head , rocker box inspection covers or both ?
Also did You use the stock thickness or opt for something different ?

Best Wishes ,
Steve...
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: Stephen Foster on 17.12. 2011 21:03
Just had an email from "Gaskets unlimited" , He says He can produce the gaskets for the inspection covers if I get a tracing to Him ?
How would I do this and are these worthwhile in copper ?

Steve..
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: saltbox Alf on 17.12. 2011 21:21
Don't know if this is off help but I was looking at an edition of classic mechanics from 1983 and a guy with a cafe race style A10 had very carefully ground a grove round his rocker cover with a dremmel grinder, then used rtv gasket, perfect, no leaks reported. Essentially make your own O ring.

Al
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: muskrat on 18.12. 2011 01:30
 G'day Steve, I wouldn't bother with the covers, not often they leak.
Mine is 32 thou but as I said he can make different thicknesses  to take up any excessive lapping or surfacing of the box or head. At 1/2 lift the tappet adjuster should be in line with the valve stem.
Cheers
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: Ted_Flash on 18.12. 2011 10:55
Hi Steve,

Just to confirm, I only fitted the rocker box to head gaskets at standard 32 thou thickness.  I've found that the inspection cover gaskets last for years and drop to pieces from old age without ever leaking.

Cheers,

Ted
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: BSA_54A10 on 18.12. 2011 11:47
Quote
Just visited the website , wonder what the appropriate thickness in copper gasketmay be (Rocker box to head) (Rocker box inspection covers) , also notice they produce a copper base gasket ?
Anyone used any of the above please ?

I use aluminium base gaskets to make up for heads that have been decked 5 times too many and for the same reason on the side bangers.
Alloy does not catch your eye like copper does so no one notices.
We have just done the same with an A 75 that was running nitro in sprints.
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: KeithJ on 30.11. 2014 14:32
Just seen this on ebay:
Copper Rocker Box gaskets
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ebor-copper-rocker-box-base-gaskets-for-BSA-A7-and-A10-/121502497407?ssPageName=ADME:SS:SS:GB:3160

Anyone used them or know the company?

ATBN

Keith
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: duTch on 30.11. 2014 19:14
 
Quote
I use aluminium base gaskets to make up for heads that have been decked 5 times too many and for the same reason on the side bangers.

 Without wanting to go off topic, Wouldn't any extra thickness under the barrels change the geometry of the Cam/Lifters...?
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: muskrat on 30.11. 2014 19:26
G'day duTch, yes but only by a poofteenth advanced.
Cheers
Title: Re: Copper Rocker Box gaskets & washers
Post by: jachenbach on 01.12. 2014 16:37
Here in the U.S. you can get generic crush washers in different sizes from many of the auto parts stores. Aluminum works just as well as copper for any application I've seen. Other options may be the hardware/fastener suppliers, like Tacoma Screw. I can't imagine there's anything special about a washer sold specifically for a BSA.