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Triumph TR3 - Who's Got Good Gaskets?

I just discovered that two gaskets I picked up from Moss (about 9 months apart) for the cover of my differential are not accurately stamped. The bolt holes are off by a half a hole from the left side to the right side.

Which supplier has the best prospect of supplying accurately punched gaskets, in general? Or is it just a roll of the dice?

I finally have the diff/axle stripped and repainted with POR-15, and new axle seals and pinon seal installed. Can't wait to start putting the rear end back together again.

Tip of the hat to Berry for being my "inside advisor" on the diffy.

Thanks, all.

Bill Stagg
1960 TR3A
Bill Stagg

Bill: I bought gaskets for the timing cover, oil pan and rear differential from TRF, and all were fine.
Congrats on your spring eye triumph! (no pun intended)
Mike
Mike Gambordella

Thanks for the recommendation, Mike. TRF it is.

I'm so happy to have that spring eye bolt out I could scream (which I did several times during the extraction ordeal).

Regards,

Bill
Bill Stagg

Bill-For those of us with a thrifty nature (my wife says "cheap") a set of gasket punches is a good investment. It is also convenient to be able to make a gasket instead of ordering one. Having said all of that,is it possible that Moss sent a gasket for the later IRS cars or the holes aren't symmetrical-flip the gasket over?
BTP Price

BILL - IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, THAT GASKET IS PROBABLY OK. THE HOLES ARE NOT SYMMETRICAL - LEFT TO RIGHT. FLIP OVER THE GASKET AND TRY AGAIN

Don Elliott
Don Elliott

Gents,

I've flipped the gasket in every conceivable position. Some are better than others, but the best is off by half a hole.

Are you suggesting that a punch be used to "move" the hole to where it needs to be, or just for making new gaskets?

I did notice that the gaskets have two extra holes. Is it possible these are for the TR4?

Many thanks!

Bill
Bill Stagg

Bill-Moss shows the same gasket for the solid axle TRs and a different one for the IRS TR4A-6 models. I meant that it is sometimes easier to cut your own gaskets than to order one. Buy gasket paper,use the cover as a template, mark the outline, cut, and punch the holes, than to order one.
Berry
BTP Price

Berry,

I notice that the Moss gaskets are practically paper thin. Given that a gasket is supposed to help seal uneven mating surfaces, how thick should it ideally be, particularly for the differential cover? I assume gasket sheets are available in various thicknesses. How does one select the proper weight?

And what about tightening bolts to avoid dimpling the flange at the bolt holes? What's the best way to get just enough torque on the bolts?

Thanks for the help!

Bill
Bill Stagg

Bill-The thickness of the paper isn't critical for an application like the diff cover. I think most of the paper I use is 1/32" or 1/16"-a little thicker than the one you describe. A thin coat of sealer wouldn't hurt either. The manual calls for 16-18 'lbs of torque on the cover bolts, although I doubt if most people use a torque wrench on things like the cover.
BTP Price

This thread was discussed between 16/03/2004 and 17/03/2004

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