Cam Chain Tensioner Gasket

[uudfourty]

Hey folks,

Can compressed graphite be used for the cam chain tensioner gasket?
Does it matter how thick the gasket is, or will the plunger adjust itself to the correct tension?

I made a huge order from bikebandit and left that gasket off. I do not feel like paying 9 dollar shipping for a 2 dollar gasket.

Thanks for your time.

[Dave8338]

Never heard of compressed graphite. If it works as a gasket material, then sure...why not. As for thickness, unless your looking at a 1/4" inch or more, the tensioner should be able to adjust for the thicker gasket (graphite).

[blowerbike]

make one out of a cerial box...
to bad your so far away, i have maybe 30 of those gaskets here.

[Dave8338]

make one out of a cerial box...
to bad your so far away, i have maybe 30 of those gaskets here.

Send him one for a belated Christmas present.

[blowerbike]

Send him one for a belated Christmas present.

if he sends me a self addressed stamped envelope and a half a pack of marlboro's i will!!!
HO---HO---HO

[Nessism]

Just go to the auto parts store and pick up a roll of gasket paper. Get the type that is intended for exposure to oil and you are golden. I've made all kinds of gaskets this way - much cheaper than purchasing overpriced stock gaskets. Only takes a few minuets with an exacto knife. A paper hole punch works well to make the screw holes.

[blowerbike]

original captain crunch's box is oil resistant....

[Guest]

The cam chain tensioner gasket isn't too hard to make. I cut a piece of gasket and then used gasket sealer just to make sure it won't leak.

[rapidray]

All you need is black silicone! It is NOT a high pressure oil area! Stop making these small things so difficult. Ray.

[bwringer]

All you need is black silicone! It is NOT a high pressure oil area! Stop making these small things so difficult. Ray.

Right. But just a little silicone, please -- you don't need a big squishy 1/4" bead of the stuff that's going to squish into your engine and clog things up -- just a smear with your finger that you can just about see through.

I've also used case sealer with no problems.

And grocery sacks (paper, not plastic).

And the aforementioned cereal box.

Why, just take a look -- there are gaskets all around you!



Also, it sort of helps if you divulge which GS you're working on... It didn't really matter for this question, but often it does.

[Shaughn]

You got your answer above, but what is this compressed graphite you mention?
Is this just the metallic flatstock exhaust gasket material you see on some automotive flanged exhaust connections?

[uudfourty]

I knew it wasn't a high pressure area, and I figured just about anything would work to seal it. I wasn't as concerned about sealing the area as I was the thickness of the gasket interfering with the adjuster. I didn't know how much tolerance I had in order for everything to work as designed.

81gs550. Not that it really matters anymore.

Thanks for your help guys.

[uudfourty]

You got your answer above, but what is this compressed graphite you mention?
Is this just the metallic flatstock exhaust gasket material you see on some automotive flanged exhaust connections?

It's pink (usually) comes in rolls. It's like any other gasket material, it just happens to be what I can get my hands on for free. We use it for everything from head exchanger heads to steam trap bucket. Something like 870F and 300 PSI WOG.