Any thoughts on the cut your own gasket material?

[rusty_tlc]

It's not getting easier to get parts, it's good to know how to make them... even when you don't need to.

Cardboard can even be used in a pinch (cereal box or non glossy).

I started cutting a set of diff gaskets out of grocery bags one time, fixing a broken FJ60 rear axle on the side of the road. No RTV on hand, but we had gasket varnish. The plan was to cut three or four layers for each side. Before I finished a Jeep came along that had some black automotive RTV. I was almost disappointed, I really wanted to see how well the paper gaskets would work

 

[Chop Shop]

The right stuff kicks ass.

I bought an old ferguson tractor this summer and while getting it running and cleaning the carb I noticed it had a carb gasket made from an old Busch Light box. I cleaned the carb and assembled it, it runs great to this day.

 

[rockcrawler]

I hardly ever do any cutting with a knife when using a ball peen to make a gasket. Just keep tapping away on the gasket material with the hammer and it will cut itself. Same procedure for cutting masking tape when painting

 

[FishNinJay]

Rubber vs Cork? what's best?

I dropped my aluminum aux tank, and the old non-functioning fuel sender has a gasket I can not find. I just want to reinstall the old fuel sender to seal the hole, but the original gasket is cracked dry rubber. Nobody has this size..

I got a 4-pack of Fel-Pro (#3060) gasket material for $8 at Autozone that contains both cork (cork-rubber composite) and rubber sheets. So, I'm going to cut my own gasket for this dummy fuel sender. But, since I have both materials, then I'm wondering what is the best material. I have a new fuel sender I'm going to install that has a composite cork gasket.

Does anyone apply anything to these gaskets to reinforce or seal them? Like the Permatex aviation goop?

Ok.. thanks all.
-Jay

 

[1911]

Does anyone apply anything to these gaskets to reinforce or seal them? Like the Permatex aviation goop?

For old-fashioned paper/cardboard gaskets, I use Gasgasinch.

For cork-type gaskets I like to put a very thin film of good FIPG sealer (my favorite is Toyota Seal Packing 1281, P/N 00295-01281) on both sides.

For modern gasket materials I will usually use either a thin film of Hylomar (non-hardening) or a thin film of FIPG, depending on the application.

 

[Roboosfj40s]

You bet ya! I worked in industry for 30 years as a welder, pipe fitter, hydraulic/pneumatic diesel and gas engine mechanic then eventually mechanical engineer and we hardly ever bought pre made gaskets. Some were necessary but most we hammered out or cut from sheets of different ticknesses. As mentioned by others empty cartridge cases can be used but we used old hydraulic fittings ground sharp. I currently use a materials made in the UK very pliable and flexible and makes a very good seal. have fun!