Best Self-Made Gasket Material?

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07/10/2023 11:59 am

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Hi Scotty,

I've got a 27 year old Toyota Celsior & a 17 year old Lexus IS220D, and the gaskets are hard to come by. They sell this Neoprene rubber sheet stuff, but I was also thinking of sheet metal for something more permanent & bearing in mind galavanic corrosion. Do you guys ever make your own gaskets & what do you use?. I would have thought copper > aluminium would be good.

Thanks and all the best

Alex G

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3 Answers

07/10/2023 12:15 pm

Sorry, which gaskets?

Dad2LM2

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It took me a while to get your statement - I thought you were making a joke at first. Yeah, only for simple stuff like here: https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-catalogs/epc/lexus-general/ls400/UCF20R/15690/body/5102 the part labeled 'Bracket Engine Undercover' Part No.51446-50030 actually has a rubber seal around the edge that has perished over the years.
So I thought I'd use some rubber on that, and maybe some copper on the EGR valve on my IS220D if they ever stop selling that one. I clean the EGR regularly and the gasket is deteriorating. I think they want you to change it each time as well, which can get expensive.
But I'd never really use a self made gasket on anything important.

By Alex G Topic starter 07/10/2023 1:16 pm

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07/10/2023 12:45 pm

Chuck Tobias

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Heh - that's cheating. 😉

By Alex G Topic starter 07/10/2023 12:47 pm

Used Permatex products and can recommend those. However the choice of the product to be used depends on what gasket you want to make. They have various products for various gasketing tasks. You also have to really take your time and study the manufacturer datasheets and usage recommendations for the Permatex product you choose. You really-really have to meticulously follow the instructions to obtain best results: just applying the product and pressing two parts together will probably not suffice.

By DontKnowler 07/10/2023 1:09 pm

This post was modified 2 years ago by DontKnowler

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07/10/2023 3:40 pm

Posted by: @alex-g

the part labeled 'Bracket Engine Undercover'

what OP is talking about:

Posted by: @alex-g

has a rubber seal around the edge

Have you looked online? no idea what your looks like, but edge trim is widely available in a variety of shapes sizes and colors.

Posted by: @alex-g

maybe some copper on the EGR valve

EGR gaskets are typically made of steel laminated graphite and they're EXTREMELY cheap ($1.15 for the Lexus). I have no idea why you'd want to make them.

Just buy two now. That should last the life of your car.