Help! [sm=drowning.gif]
I bought an OS 25FX head gasket for an old OS 25FSR engine; I bought a TT 15GP head gasket for an old Magnum 15GP engine. The original parts are not available anymore. In the two cases the outer diameter is ~1/32" too large. Any idea of how to *easily* remove material to reduce OD without sucrificing sealing?

Thanks!

Easiest is careful working with a pair of scissors.

Bill.

Bill,
Is there any chance that cutting with Scissors will change the surface / thickness at the outer edges of the gasket and as a result sealing will deteriorate? Or will securing the 6 head screws flatten it enough?
Thanks

There will be distortion at the edge, the sharper the scissors the less of course. Regardless, unless you crease the new gasket it will conform when the head is pulled down on it. Any spot bent up will have a point or line contact when you start pulling the head down, this will concentrate the pressure there, and flatten the gasket as though you were ironing a starched shirt.

Bill.

When you compare the clamping force developped by those four or six head bolts to that whimpy aluminum gasket... you have your answer...