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NOS O-rings or Viton for Cylinder Head Dowels

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by jayrodoh, Jul 25, 2018.

  1. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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    Not an XJ question but not getting any responses on my other forum for the particular bike. If this thread needs to be moved please do so.

    I am redoing the head on a Kaw and the o rings for the dowel pins are NLA. There are NOS ones on eBay etc. but I'm wondering if sourcing a new Viton or other material would be better than something that sat on a shelf for 20+ years.
     
    jayrodoh, Jul 25, 2018
    #1
  2. turpentyne

    turpentyne Active Member

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    Just glanced at a site that lists it depending on the storage methods, and giving an example with only 3 year shelf-life.. But at the top is a chart listing what looks like 15 years - if I read it right. I only glanced. Not sounding like a vote for NOS.

    Here's what I was looking at: https://www.marcorubber.com/o-ring-shelf-life.htm
     
    turpentyne, Jul 25, 2018
    #2
  3. turpentyne

    turpentyne Active Member

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    turpentyne, Jul 25, 2018
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  4. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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    Looks like shelf life depends on the type of material, assuming good storage conditions. I have no idea what the NOS ones would be. I'm leaning towards new ones, not sure what material is suitable for head gasket conditions.
     
    jayrodoh, Jul 25, 2018
    #4
  5. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Are they a special shape?
    If not then measure them and buy new from an o-ring supply house (depending on the condition of the old ones, you may what to get an NOS set to take measurements from).
    If they are a normal shape, but of a special size, you can buy o-ring material and glue to make the size that you need.
     
    k-moe, Jul 25, 2018
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    Colin 85 700 likes this.
  6. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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    Nope, normal looking o ring. I think I will get a NOS one like you mention and measure/replace.
     
    jayrodoh, Jul 25, 2018
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  7. Colin 85 700

    Colin 85 700 Active Member

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    A good quality gasket kit should come with said o-rings, you are replacing the head gasket and valve seals while your in there right? I believe Athena still makes kits for most vintage bikes.
    If it doesn't have the o-rings, a bearing supply shop should be able to get appropriate o-rings by measurement (remember they are metric! Measure in mm! ). Not sure if I'd trust 20yr old rubber.
     
    Colin 85 700, Jul 25, 2018
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    k-moe likes this.
  8. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    Polock, Jul 25, 2018
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    k-moe likes this.
  9. turpentyne

    turpentyne Active Member

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    O-ring guages & sizing cones...just great. Now I see a new tool on that page I must have!
    My checking account is not happy with you! Hehe!
     
    turpentyne, Jul 25, 2018
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  10. vashtsdaytona

    vashtsdaytona Active Member

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    vashtsdaytona, Jul 25, 2018
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  11. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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    Of course. I'm pretty through on my projects. I opt for OEM whenever possible, had some bad luck with aftermarket gasket kits in the past and don't need the full set for this. Vesrah does make a full set but it far exceeds the cost of a few orings.
     
    jayrodoh, Jul 25, 2018
    #11

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