Compressor Head Gasket

I’m helping my cousin rebuild a little 2 cylinder Sanborn air compressor. He has no compressed air currently, which sucks. We found thisncompressor tossed in a burn pit filled with water on a ranch. Hauled it home and tore the motor and compressor down. All looked fine once he baked and dried everything. Motor needed one bearing.

We tore the head gaskets when removing the heads. No part kits to be found for this little dude because it’s so old.

What material can I use to cut a new head gaskets that will hold on an air compressor cylinder? It’s a 90psi unit.

I would go with copper/brass.

I’m thinking the same.

Though the old gaskets are a thick layered paper gasket. Maybe .125” thick. I need to verify.

They don't make enough heat / pressure to NEED a metal gasket. I'd go paper like it was.

If you're doing much more than 100PSI, I'd go with one of these:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mrg-5960?seid=srese1&cm_mmc=pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-mr-gasket&gclid=CjwKCAjwj4zaBRABEiwA0xwsP5tTob2SRLS86QMdBRJWXEd6r3h6ku1mNXA8ryHBXN1uUCTZPuKP3RoCWVIQAvD_BwE

If you're not, go with the cardboard/rubber style and compress it a bit:
Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

Thanks for the Summit link. That’s probably the route we will try first.

Brass and copper are costly given the nature of this salvage project.

Quite the catch 22, there.
You need air to fix the compressor, but you need the compressor to supply the air. :doh:
Fortunately there's brake cleaner.

Mark.