Our motorcycles are so complex with so many parts and what all and what not that is actually becomes difficult to see which part is where and what. In all that if something goes wrong and needs work done, it becomes hard because sometimes we don’t even know which parts are there and required in our bikes. Hence for that reason we are covering today a very important part which is not only used in motorcycles but in most automobiles and mechanical parts as a whole; Gaskets.If you happen to check your bikes, you will find gaskets pretty much everywhere. From your engine, to your moving parts, to on the frame and even your chain. Fun fact; the O-rings in the chain of your bikes are nothing but gaskets keeping the chain moving, yet keeping the links together strongly. So this will give you a very good idea as to how important gaskets are.
Now there are many different types of gaskets like metal gaskets, silicone gaskets, wood gaskets and many more. And then there is also something called gasket cement. Now this is something like the sealant type cement and not the one used in construction purposes, so do take note of that. The different kinds of gaskets are used for different areas according to the purpose that it fits. For example a joint is required which is just a solid one then a metal or wood gasket will be used. While if there is a joint to keep liquids from leaking and make the joint airtight, then a silicone or wood gasket will be used along with a little gasket cement. But in case the joint needs to be moving like in bike chains, then a rubber gasket would be used which aids in movement as well.
One has to remember that when using gaskets, should understand that if the gasket fails the joint could come apart. It is like a bonding force between the two entities and it keeps the joint strong yet accessible and can be opened anytime you want. Also one has to take care that the gaskets are compatible with the materials being used. Suppose a gasket is used in the engine heads, it has to be of the kind that can take a lot of stress vibrations and the heat. So if say a wood or silicone gasket is used, there are chances it will wear out or burn off or just come loose immediately. Or if the gasket is to be used for engine oils, then it has to be of the material that would not react with the engine oil in any ways affecting its quality.
One more thing about gaskets is that they come really cheap. So do not ever reuse any gasket unless you are stuck in an emergency. The thing is, when a gasket is used, it is meant to seal the joint. That means the gasket is pressed and it flattens out taking the shape of the entity it is fixed in; this makes for a perfect air tight joint. So when you take the joint out for some servicing or repairing purposes, it is always a good idea to use a new gasket because the previous gasket must have been worn out.But unless say you are stuck in an emergency situation and you do not have the luxury of getting to a hardware or a spare shop to get a new compatible gasket then only use the old gasket but only if it is in a good enough shape. The reason for this is because once the joint has been disturbed, the old gasket when reused does not exactly fit as perfectly has the previous time. Hence there are chances that the seal won’t be as proper. So even if your mechanic is using the same gasket, make sure to stop him and ask him to use a new one. It will cost you in single digit, but the good it will do to your vehicle is priceless.
And last but not the least; your gaskets are something really important, so never ignore them in your routine maintenance. Whenever checking for the tightness of all the parts and the seals, do check the quality your visor is in so that in case it is required, you could get it changed there and then. If you suppose your visor is simply stuck to the joint and it won’t come off, do not use any unnecessary force. Just apply some grease oil to it and keep it sliding to see if it comes off, else you can could use those aerosol cleaning sprays to remove off the dirt, grime or rust, whatever it is that has got the gasket stuck.
So make sure you take good care of your gaskets and keep replacing them regularly for healthy joints and proper maintenance of your bikes. Ride safe and stay tuned to BikesIndia for more such informative articles.
Picture Source: Knucklebusterinc.com
By: Pratik Patole