Guys,

 

The Lower plenum gaskets (x2) - when should these be changed???...

 

a:/ Always after the lower plenum has been removed

b:/ Every 60K or whenever the Lower Plenum is off, or whatever comes first.

c:/ Gaskets are reusable - go for it - if they look ok.

d:/ Stop whinging about the £90.00 and just change them!

 

Your guidance appreciated - as ever. :alucard:

 

:helpsmilie:

I'd say that a gasket should be replaced everytime when the pressure boundary is broken.

 

Not too sure about the 60k part though.

Thanks Shrek - I am contemplating getting the bakelite set from UAS but wondered because it is a multipart metal with rubber seals type of gasket what engine builders did generally. It looks in good condition but I assume it is the original one so...

 

I have a pair that came in an ebay engine rebuild gasket set that have already fallen apart in the packet !!! So I won't be using them lol.

If it's a metal gasket with a rubber liner, i wouldnt be re-using it.

 

The rubber would've compressed and when the tension's been relieved, the rubber wont have expanded again so you wont get the same seal if it's re-used.

Don't the lower plenum gaskets alter the cambelt timing because they are thicker?

hmmm, i dont know about that but i dont think it would. Isnt it the head gaskets that effect the tension on the Cambelt?

Don't the lower plenum gaskets alter the cambelt timing because they are thicker?

 

:slap:

actually i thought about reusing them too but no . the cost of new ones is fraction compare to problems that can bring it later ..

so new ones definately mate ..)

OK - Has anyone used/tried the UAS 'Bakelite' gaskets that insulate the upper from the lower plenum and eradicate the dreaded heat soak.

 

I was almost going to make some of these myself a few months back but I think you guys talked me out of it ;-))

:slap:

 

They move the central pulley up meaning that the cam timing could be thrown out.

Just went and had a quick look at this on my play/dev engine and it seems that Topless is right, I just did a mock up without bolting anything down properly and I would say that a thicker gasket would raise the cam timing idler pulley attached to the lower plenum and will therefore advance the cam timing on the right side of the engine for sure. So it would seem that to go with thicker bakelite gaskets you would have to compensate by machining the lower plenum first, and/or have adjustable cams I assume.

 

So I am going OEM then....

 

Thanks for your help guys - it's good to talk ;-))

Don't the lower plenum gaskets alter the cambelt timing because they are thicker?

 

hmmm, i dont know about that but i dont think it would. Isnt it the head gaskets that effect the tension on the Cambelt?

 

it seems that Topless is right

 

Everyday's a school day :D

They move the central pulley up meaning that the cam timing could be thrown out.

 

:slap:

 

:slap:

 

lol