1981 KZ-1100A, Bottom cylinder head gasket. Copper or Fiber?

I was putting the cylinder head on my 81 KZ1100 I folded, tore and mutilated the bottom gasket. After I finished cursing and kicking my self, I started looking for a new gasket I saw some made out of copper. They look durable but easily creased. I assume they are what I want or need, are they?

Copper, offer excellent resistance to high temperatures and pressures, making them ideal for use in extreme conditions.
Composites, such as those made of graphite or PTFE, offer a combination of properties, including excellent chemical resistance and the ability to withstand high temperatures.

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MB wrote:

I started looking for a new gasket I saw some made out of copper.  I assume they are what I want or need, are they?

No! You don't need copper.
You need the stock type thick paper composite.

I do like OEM parts over after market. It's just really hard to not damage them while sliding the cylinder head down over to the pistons. Any tips?

You must be doing something wrong.
I've built hundreds of engines and never damaged a base gasket on assembly.
The only 'tip' i can offer is to grease the underside of the base gasket so that it sticks to the cases and resists lifting if the gasket is slightly curled etc.
Also apply grease to the top side of the gasket before seating the block (but after the rings are in the bores).
This allows the gasket to settle evenly, reduces the chance of oil wicking and aids ease of removal and possible re-use.
 

Copper gaskets are for race bikes only, they leak like hell and are only meant for short term use. There big selling features are zero compression and multiple reuse.

If your racing, your tearing down quite a bit, that is where the Z1 case studs also come into play. You don't need these parts on a street bike!

You would only see copper gaskets on a +1200cc KZ build, that is when the bigger bores make it impossible to use paper (no room between them) Not too many owners doing the "Pro Street" thing, if there doing it there using a bunch of RTV/3Bond

I do know that a copper base gasket was used on my 77-KZ1000, (1327 build) back then, and I think that the block had to be milled because of the copper gasket for top end valve clearances.?? I don't know for sure, it's been many yr's...

urankjj post=908559 userid=50341I do know that a copper base gasket was used on my 77-KZ1000, (1327 build) back then, and I think that the block had to be milled because of the copper gasket for top end valve clearances.?? I don't know for sure, it's been many yr's...

I did a 1327cc drag engine a few Summers back, but it did not need any extra milling on the big block (MTC)



From bench racing talk I heard the old APE blocks may have needed some extra work, just not sure what as it was never specified in the shit talk



I had to use 4 x .015" copper base gaskets to set my deck height. Not the greatest plan to get to -.005" deck, but it worked at the time. Pistons were previously cut down for street by PO, but I shaved the head to make up for it.

Yeah, the problem is, I thought it would be easier putting the heads on after I put the engine into the frame. But sitting on the floor wasn't the best working position. I'll try again Tuesday and use grease. The next Q: what type of grease? Assembly Grease?

MB wrote:

Yeah, the problem is, I thought it would be easier putting the heads on after I put the engine into the frame. But sitting on the floor wasn't the best working position. I'll try again Tuesday and use grease. The next Q: what type of grease? Assembly Grease?

 

High Temp black grease if you can get it or the green chassis grease, but I believe that "washes" off quicker.

As for the sore back, I use a old Rubbermaid bathroom foot stool my Wife was gonna throw out, its the perfect height for doing top end work when the bike is on the floor. I've been using that thing for about 30 years now!

MB wrote:

The next Q: what type of grease? Assembly Grease?

Just use any normal lithium bearing grease.

If my cheap harbor freight rolling stool isn't around, I sit on one or two of those plastic milk crates. 2 of them is just about height of a chair.