Blown Base Gasket!!!

[Zilla529R]

Blew the gasket today, about 2 mins before I packed up to leave. Had a blast on the Zilla railing corners in the field completely sideways 4th gear pinned. Then the base gasket blew. Well to make a long story shot Ive got to fix this gasket and need to know what I can do to prevent future blown gaskets. The quad does run, starts right up still, just a tad bit of oil is seeping out and I can hear the hiss from compression escaping.

I read somewhere that I should use permatex gasket maker to seal the back portion of the cylinder to the bottom end? Or can I purchase metal gaskets to prevent these crappy paper ones from getting blown?

Thanks

[Kane]

Don't know where you could buy them, but you can make good copper base gaskets. Hit a machinist supply shop and pick up some .023-.036ths copper sheet shim stock and trace out the new paper one onto the copper. Trim very carefully to maintain the original shape and size. You won't regret it. Or you could just use heaps of sealant hoping you don't get a gob or two inside the engine. While you have it apart, inspect the base surface properly for warping. Even a few thousandths can give you trouble down the trail.

[Banshee]

Yes the Permatex was part of the Zilla reborn project on Mr.Dunes which is now offroad something or other. It is a good Idea to use the permatex because below the intake is were all the LT500's blow there base gasket. It is almost like a flaw in the motor that nobody found a better fix for. Below is a link to the page that will show you what you need to do.

http://www.off-road.com/atv/qra/top_end2.html

[Zilla529R]

Originally Posted by Kane

Don't know where you could buy them, but you can make good copper base gaskets. Hit a machinist supply shop and pick up some .023-.036ths copper sheet shim stock and trace out the new paper one onto the copper. Trim very carefully to maintain the original shape and size. You won't regret it. Or you could just use heaps of sealant hoping you don't get a gob or two inside the engine. While you have it apart, inspect the base surface properly for warping. Even a few thousandths can give you trouble down the trail.

I am going to look into getting some copper sheet stock. If I cannot locate a place which sells it, I am just going to go with the heaps of sealant method. I already have a replacement base gasket now, so if all else fails I can use that.

[Zilla529R]

Originally Posted by Banshee

Yes the Permatex was part of the Zilla reborn project on Mr.Dunes which is now offroad something or other. It is a good Idea to use the permatex because below the intake is were all the LT500's blow there base gasket. It is almost like a flaw in the motor that nobody found a better fix for. Below is a link to the page that will show you what you need to do.

http://www.off-road.com/atv/qra/top_end2.html

Yes, that was actually where I heard about the permatex fix. I also read that they have issues with their heads warping and head studs stretching over time. Kinda sucks, but theres not much I can do about it. I dont mind working on the quad so it isnt an issue in the least. If I can find my can of permatex, Ill have the quad torn down and running tonight.

[Zilla529R]

Does anyone know the torque specs on the cylinder head and cylinder?

Thanks

[GOfmf]

my dad blew the base gasket in the zilla a couple years back...just buy a good quality metal or copper gasket kit ..my dad ordered his from www.midwestactioncycles.com..

[GOfmf]

Originally Posted by 87Zilla

Does anyone know the torque specs on the cylinder head and cylinder?

Thanks

just tourqe it and ride it untill it loosens up again...then tighten it and you'll be fine

[sblt500r]

Originally Posted by 87Zilla

Does anyone know the torque specs on the cylinder head and cylinder?

Thanks

head 19-21 ft lbs. cylinder 26-29 ft lbs and the small ones are 6-8 lbs

[Banshee]

The 87 is really the only motor that has the head stud issue. This is because it is the 6 stud design. You can actually get the holes drilled and tapped to a bigger size. This is a common fix. If you are ever needing a new cylinder I would just buy an 88 and put it on your 87.