Reply To: Replacing KE4 crank seals

[green-thumbs]

Gaskets depend upon whether you have more time and patience or more money.
The $5 Made in China gasket punches are a very good value for the money. Industrial
grade gasket punches are EXPENSIVE unless you can find them at a garage sale.

That said, there are 3 gaskets I would suggest you purchase, the gasket between
the powerhead and the drive shaft/ exhaust housing, part # 27-24204
manifold to cylinder gasket part# 27-21696
manifold to driveshaft housing 27-23049
They are not hard to make BUT obtaining suitable heat resistant material is difficult
and may contain asbestos (as do old gaskets on engine)

The gasket inside manifold is difficult to make (later 2 piece manifold) and requires
a THICK heat resistant material

2 other gaskets required to seal cooling water circuit
27-21668 between water jackets
27 – 24203 water tube gasket between driveshat housing and powerhead
some use an “O” ring instead.

So whats to make?
Crankcase to cylinder jackets
cylinder to water jacket
spark plug flange to water jacket
lower cover gasket
water pump to gear case

The lower drive shaft seal is made from a piece of leather or raw hidel
on the KD and earlier models and can also be made with gasket punches plus a
small bit of imagination.

Tools required set of punches, scissors, cutting block, ruler, pencil, pen., drawing compass comes in useful at times.
Louis