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MG TD TF 1500 - gasket paper

I just put the paper gasket on the timing cover. It was supplied by our favorite supplier whom we love to hate.
It's a HORRIBLE fit. It really does not match the pattern at all well, and it tore across a bolt hole just trying to fit it on.
So I guess I need to get some gasket paper and do it myself! This is a pretty thin gasket paper that was supplied, what do people recommend I use?
The regular gasket material I see at the hardware store is a good deal thicker than this. I could just use a liquid gasket material I suppose?
Suggestions welcome...
Geoffrey M Baker

I soak mine in warm water, they swell a bit and I put them temporarily on with all the bolts in place with light pressure, let them dry and then re set them with the appropriate sealer. Most paper gaskets will shrink a bit during storage. PJ
Paul161

Yes aren't they great! Mine was torn when I got it in the mail. I just used a brown paper grocery bag for making one myself. Most of the gaskets bought these days don't fit because of shrinkage. I use spray Windex to get them to expand and fit. It dries and the gaskets remain flat.
Richard Cameron

Richard, I'll try your approach with the grocery bag. Sounds like the correct thickness and absorbency. Thanks!
Geoffrey M Baker

Regardless of where you got it, but most paper gaskets shrink over time. Oil pan gaskets are even worse because they are larger. As suggested, simply soak in water for a while and it will return to normal. Never try to stretch them, they don't have any give!

I get most of my gaskets from Moss and the quality seems as good as anyone. Those I don't get there, I make myself. For sealer on the timing cover, I prefer Seals-All.
Steve Simmons

Many used to come with a tag that said to soak in water. Sort of weird but it does work well. Shopping bag perfect for timing cover. No need to hate supplier- just call them and they will replace. George
George Butz

Perfect. I just smeared on Permatex, laid the cover on a paper bag, let it dry and then cut it out. No problems!
Geoffrey M Baker

An old mechanic buddy of mine used to lay the gasket material on the surface that he needed to fit it to, and then tap all the way around the outline with a small ball pein hammer. He'd just keep tapping all the edges and bolt holes until he had cut out a finished gasket. I've tried it and it works well as long as you can keep the material from crawling around while you are tapping away on it. I probably wouldn't use this method on the timing cover however, because of the soft aluminum you'd be hitting against.

Kirk
Kirk Trigg

This thread was discussed between 27/08/2015 and 28/08/2015

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