Head gasket arrived bent in the mail

  • dmeiz
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Head gasket arrived bent in the mail

19 Apr 2018 15:53 - 19 Apr 2018 15:55
#782060
I'm working on a '78 KZ650, replacing valve seals. The head is off and I ordered a gasket set from Ebay.

Despite the words "Don't Bend" written on the package, it was clearly bent in transit. It wasn't a hard bend, but the metal ring in the gasket was bent and paper shows some signs of distress (picture attached).

My guess is that it's probably ok, but I figured I'd ask here. Related, I have the all-metal head gasket that was on the engine to begin with. It looks in pretty good shape. Is that worth re-using?

Thanks!

-Dan

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Last edit: 19 Apr 2018 15:55 by dmeiz.

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  • Nessism
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Re: Head gasket arrived bent in the mail

19 Apr 2018 16:57
#782061
Can't tell for sure from your photo but doesn't look too bad.

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  • VTEC
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Re: Head gasket arrived bent in the mail

20 Apr 2018 16:22
#782091
I wouldn't risk it. I'm sure they'll send you another. You'll be kicking yourself in the butt if it comes back to bite down the road.
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  • JMKZHI
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Re: Head gasket arrived bent in the mail

21 Apr 2018 06:36 - 21 Apr 2018 06:39
#782108
dmeiz wrote:
.
Despite the words "Don't Bend" written on the package, ....
.
Did the seller at least put heavy cardboard in the envelope? I would request a double layer.
The only writing on a package that matters to any shipper is the address. They jam pack semi-trucks with thousands of packages, which then take them to sorting facilities where there is a pretty good chance any package could get mishandled or damaged. The unloaders actually throw many of the packages.
Last edit: 21 Apr 2018 06:39 by JMKZHI.

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  • KZB2 650
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Re: Head gasket arrived bent in the mail

21 Apr 2018 06:44
#782110
Could be a pain returning it but replacing it again would be worse. It would always be in the back of my mind wondering about it.
1978 KZ650 b-2
700cc Wiseco kit 10 to 1.
1980 KZ750 cam, ape springs, stock clutch/ Barnett springs.
Vance and Hines Header w/ comp baffle and Ape pods, Dyna S and green coils, copper wires.
29MM smooth bores W/ 17.5 pilots, 0-6s and 117.5 main
16/42 gearing X ring chain and alum rear JT sprocket.

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  • JMKZHI
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Re: Head gasket arrived bent in the mail

21 Apr 2018 07:24
#782112
There's probably a standard shipping box that could be used, instead of an envelope stuffed with cardboard. I'd guess 20 x 10 x 4.

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  • bluej58
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Re: Head gasket arrived bent in the mail

22 Apr 2018 05:02
#782153
Our post man does that a lot, if he can fold it in half and stuff it in the mail box he will :angry: instead of driving up our driveway and putting it by our door.
I kind of understand, everyone is pushed to their limits these days and work/attitude is suffering big time including the person packing the gasket.
Someone suggested writing( medical x-rays do not fold) on the package, my suggestion is alternating the cardboard so that it can't be folded easily.
I think it should come back to the shipper so they can figure out a more bullet proof way to send stuff in this stressed out world.
78 KZ1000 A2A

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