Why does the head gasket on a 87 LT500R have different sized coolant holes, compaired to the uniform size coolant ports on the head and jug?
Is there a need for a restriction of coolant flow? What do you guys think is the best type/brand head gasket to use?

 

Just a guess, it could be a restrictor. You don't want the liquid passing through the radiator to fast(or the engine for that matter). It needs to flow through at a pace slow to make the heat exchange in the radiator and the cylinder head. One is trying to capture the heat and the other is trying to release it.

I'm trying to think back on my old yz-250J. It was water cooled and I don't think it had a thermostat. I don't recall. Without a thermostat to regulate the engine temp some sort of restrictor might do it. If your's does have a thermostat then it still could be a restrictor because the system is so small.

I would just buy an OEM gasket.

Rob

 

It is also for even cooling of the head and cylindar. The holes to the exhaust side of the head are smaller cause you have the air blowing over that part of the head, and the intake side are larger cause there is less air helping to cool.

 

I USE A COPPER HEAD GASKET BECAUSE IT IS BLOWOUT PROOF AND REUSEABLE. INSTEAD OF BUYING A NEW ONE ALL THE TIME I JUST CLEAN IT AND APPLY SOME NEW SEALANT. I ALSO USE A SPRING STEEL BASE GASKET BECAUSE THIS IS THE ONLY GASKET I EVER BLOW BECAUSE OF THE HIGH BOOST I HAVE IN THE CRANK. THIS IS ALSO REUSABLE.

 

Pennzilla, where do you get your copper head gasket? Does the head and jug need any machineing to accept the copper gasket?