Cork Gaskets

[SurveyKing]

Does anyone know if Cork Gaskets are being reproduced and if so where?

[Rich Bingham]

I have heard forest fires in Portugal some fourteen years ago or so practically ended the cork industry which may never recover. You may have noticed how plastic stoppers have replaced corks in your favorite vino ?

Any road, the “pure” sheet cork (made from ground up cork) used for gaskets always was rather problematic, being fragile and prone to dry out and shrink. If it’s still made, later “cork” gasket sheeting where the cork granules were embedded in a rubber-like matrix was (is?) much superior. If you can find it, you could cut your own gaskets, but that’s not what you asked. Gaskets I’ve ordered recently are a paper-type material, but very adequate. Most of us depend on slathering on gobs of RTV gasket sealer anyhow !

[Squirrel]

Sorry, I don't know. But I would like some too.... I recently took apart the engine in my 27, and it had cork gaskets for the pan, and even a cork front seal. It had not been leaking, except at the Bendix cover, which gasket was not cork, and had been slathered with RTV by PO.

Although the lack of leaks from the cork up front, might also be partly attributable to the plugged oil funnel and tube

[DanTreace]

There are no Model T motor kits with cork anymore.

But sheet cork gasket material (aviation grade) is made. I keep a roll in the drawer for making gaskets for things that don't have 'em.

[SurveyKing]

It seems that if the cork rolls are made, the gaskets could be cut with a template of some sort. Too bad nobody is doing that. I have heard that Henry used the cork which absorbed oil and kept the seal. I am thinking that if I got the roll and cut my own gaskets plus put on the silicone gasket sealer, that should do the trick pretty well.

[Duey_C]

I too prefer cork in some places and have made my own forever. Especially tin covers of any kind but I seldom use sealant.
Head down to your favorite parts store also for cork rolls.

[jab35]

Also available here: https://www.mcmaster.com/cork-gasket-sheets

[Dan Hatch]

Ask and you shall see.
https://www.ebay.com/p/227053136
Dan

[RajoRacer]

Olson's Gaskets in Port Orchard, WA can make any gasket you need from different materials !

[Rich Bingham]

Hasn’t everyone made their own gaskets one time or another using a ball-pein hammer ?

(Works best with “paper” gasket stuff)

[RajoRacer]

Sure have - but Olson's has a computer plotter !

[Rich Bingham]

I’m guessing they have Model T gaskets on file, then ?
Thanks for that source Steve !

(Bearing them out with a hammer really isn’t a LOT of fun ! )

[perry kete]

Are cork rolls good with coffee?

[Duey_C]

If ya drizzle caramel on top!

[Scott_Conger]

The paper gaskets available today are far superior to what I recall being marketed 5-6 years ago. I detest picking cork shards off of, and out of the engine or transmission when having to perform work that requires removing covers, so greatly appreciate paper and a little schmeer.

No matter HOW careful you are, you will invariably find cork bits in the transmission screen after reassembly and running. That tells me all I need to know.

You didn't ask, but I'll say: Paper for me.

[Allan]

Rich's first response re cork disappearing from wine bottles due to shortages is correct in part. Any shortages would only have only had the effect of hastening the change-over to plastic seals, because the plastic seals are a far more consistent seal. Even high end wines now come that way, as spoilage from traditional corks failing is/was a major problem in marketing wines of a consistent quality.
Which makes it very difficult to find one piece corks to make new floats for Standex fuel tank gauges for model T's.

Allan from down under.

[RajoRacer]

Allan - I replace my old cork floats for those type of gauges with the new composite Model A gas gauge floats - works really good.

[D Stroud]

I'm with Scott Conger. I never did like cork gaskets, still don't. I can't recall one time that when I went to use one, it wasn't shrunk, and that goes all of the way back to the 50's. JMHO Dave

[dmdeaton]

I like cork

[Ruxstel24]

Are you wanting a specific gasket in cork, or a set Dan ? I think Mr Morsher cleaned me out.

[Dropacent]

Yup! Dave’s got a memory like a steel trap

[Duey_C]

Lotsa nice goodies!

[david_dewey]

making gaskets with a ball pien hammer was one of the things my Dad taught me when I was still in grade school. I remember surprising the college engine rebuilding class's instructor with known how to do it, when a gasket was missing. Maybe I'm strange, but I find it an enjoyable task. Of course, I don't have to do it all the time either!

[SurveyKing]

Looking for gaskets for the Transmission Cover and Inspection Plate, also the Starter and Bendix Cover.

[Susanne]

making gaskets with a ball pien hammer was one of the things my Dad taught me when I was still in grade school. I remember surprising the college engine rebuilding class's instructor with known how to do it, when a gasket was missing. Maybe I'm strange, but I find it an enjoyable task. Of course, I don't have to do it all the time either!

I remember learning that, too, back when I was younger - I'm not terribly good at it but it works in a pinch, even with gasket paper. I do better marking the sheets with a super fineline marker or pencil and cutting them out. Just did a pair of valve spring cover gaskets that way...

I shoud measure the thicknesses of the various gaskets and stock up on sheet cork. Not sure if the Buna-N impregnated would be better or not...

[Duey_C]

Mr Dewey, I find it therapeutic and useful too, no matter the material. Duey.
Susanne, me neither. Not very good at it with some castings. If they're sharp edged? Presto. Nice gasket.
Too darned busy, cheap, lazy and short on materials to make punches (gosh they're cheap to buy too) sometimes so I use a 1/2 check ball to pop the holes out.
On earlier notes: I agree. Cork will dry and shrink. Is there a way to rejuvenate old cork or paper gaskets that have dried and shrunk?
Water? Oil?

[Dropacent]

Water will swell a paper gasket that has shrunk. Done it many times, and one supplier even used to put a note with their gasket sets. I’ve never tried it on cork, but would probably depend on composition. If anyone really wants cork, as you can see I have a supply. Glad to help out, just ask.

[Dallas Landers]

Duey, different caliber rifle or handgun cartridges work great for punching holes in gaskets. Just make sure their spent!

[Duey_C]