EVO owners, Beware of James Gasket "Umbrella Valves"

Anyone doing top end work of your '93-'99 Head Breather EVO ??

Beware of James Gaskets* "Umbrella Valves" They do not sit flat when installed, & if used, causes lots of puking out the head breathers..
See the attached picture..

James Umbrella on Left vs HD Umbrella on right. I think you can clearly see the problem..The shoulder holds them up, not permitting them to seal. Pencil pointing at shoulder (not good)..

James Gaskets has been notified about this problem & was reported to say they are stopping current production of these & re-designing them..

But as for the ones already out at different parts suppliers, you may still be unfortunate & get this defective part(s)... So hopefully you can be aware & avoid this freaking headache..

If you contact James Gaskets with these bad U. valves, they are immediately sending out new HD replacements, till they re-work their mold.


This has been a Public Service Announcement: you may now resume your normal viewing activities..

Thanks Sleeper; I've taken the liberty of putting a link to this onto the HDRCGB forum.

Kev-

Good, hope it can help others avoid the bad umbrella valves..

James Gaskets has a very good reputation, IMO..

They may already be making re-designed ones ?

But at least we can be aware of what to watch out for & avoid using the bad ones..........

I must say their reaction to the problem, and the positive steps they seem to be taking to sort it, are a refreshing change from the norm in this day and age.

Agree with your comments re. quality, I've always considered their stuff to be above average.

Yes they are stepping up quickly.. That's why they have the great rep they do have..

I always drill the oil returns to 1/8" on the spacers next to where the umbrellas go..(in this attached pic) The vent extensions are part of a kit, It helps keep oil out in the first place. But it also reduces the vent ID size (don't care for that)..

I've not had need to use these. But some may ?

I just bought a Cometic gasket kit (#64027) and it has the same bad news umbrella valve. Also, none of the rubber gaskets fit my boxes (S&S 88" Evo, Super Stock), although the steel bottom gasket does.

Pix at:

http://s897.photobucket.com/albums/ac17 ... 0Evo%2088/

Suggest contacting S&S...