blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

[mhorowit]

Attached is a pic of a homemade gasket that keeps blowing on the high pressure side of my air compressor. I built it out of some gasket making material - no specs.

Can anyone suggest a material to use? it gets hot - MIke

[Ragwing nut]

Re: blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

Dead soft aluminum or copper

[fearofpavement]

Re: blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

from looking how the gasket is blown I think you have a surface problem with the metal parts. Try to mill it flat (by whatever means) or no gasket is going to solve the problem. ie, it appears there is no compression in the blown section of the gasket. (between the two mating surfaces). visualize a warped cylinder head...

[astjp2]

Re: blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

Goto the compressor shop in your area with the model of your compressor you will get the right gasket and probably wont cost too much. Tim

[mhorowit]

Re: blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

Goto the compressor shop in your area with the model of your compressor you will get the right gasket and probably wont cost too much. Tim

I made the flange and did some filing on it, so the suggestion to make it flatter/uniform has lots of merit. I may also go to the shop and ask for the material to make my own. - MIke

[ROllerton]

Re: blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

An automotive machine shop (one that can also do work on small engines like generators) can true the surface up. Otherwise check it with a known good straight edge; lay on surface and hold up to light; can you see light under the straight edge?

[mhorowit]

Re: blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

An automotive machine shop (one that can also do work on small engines like generators) can true the surface up. Otherwise check it with a known good straight edge; lay on surface and hold up to light; can you see light under the straight edge?

Oh yeah! but I need to stiffen the flange somewhat before I begin grinding - Mike

[Len Petterson]

Re: blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

Mike if you need some kind off fitting in the flange dont be sheap in the material thikness you can allways by longer bolts.
The thinner the gasket the higher the presuure it can take but the matting sutfases has to be flat! Hold true for all gasgets.
Avoid square corners as well if you can.
Sometime a good gasket glue will help!Permatex on one side Only.
Len

[mhorowit]

Re: blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

Thanks Len - just took apart a beer can; figure that's soft metal. Permatex is a good idea - Mike

[NY86]

Re: blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

Actually, beer cans are pretty hard. Try copper or aluminum flashing. Remember, the gasket thickness has to be large relative to the variations in the surface.

[mhorowit]

Re: blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

Actually, beer cans are pretty hard. Try copper or aluminum flashing. Remember, the gasket thickness has to be large relative to the variations in the surface.

(burp) now you tell me

[NY86]

Re: blown compressor gasket; material recommendations?

(burp) now you tell me

Heck, finish your beer first!