As long as there have been motors, there have been gaskets to hold them together. And if they aren't leaking-yet, they will someday. We still joke on about old Brit bikes that if yours isn't leaking it must be out of oil, add two quarts. The old Harley joke, what does HD stand for? Hound dog, they like to ride in the back of trucks and mark their spot. Old BMW's don't leak. At least per the indoctrinated to the brand-they weep. Then along came the Japanese that didn't, so like on the Z-1 added a chain oiler using engine oil from the crankcase-a leak engineered in. Maybe just to make the old Triumph owners feel more one with their bike. But no matter the engine, it is held together by gaskets.
Gaskets-what are they? Simply put, they provide a seal between two machined parts. And do it magnificently, most of the time. From simple paper, to chemicals ranging from RTV silicone-trivia buffs take note-RTV stand for Room Temperature Vulcanizing. Rolls Royce even came up with Hylomar, which is now universally used as it never vulcanizes, but expands and contracts with heat. And today's paper has given way to neoprene seals incorporated in various types of metal-all doing one thing-keeping the oil inside the engine. And they must do it from temperatures and pressures ranging from the outside cold, to the internal hot. Below zero to 250 degrees. You see metals will expand and contract with heat-remember that from chemistry? And heat produces pressure, and increases the liquid's desire to want to escape. Simple, and the only thing between you and the spot under your bike is a gasket. Or between your ride and watching as your other friends go by. And when they fail, the only cure is replacement, no band aids or smearing a wonder sealant over it-replace the gasket! And the equation is simple. Leak+seal=time and money-LOST! So simple even a ------ owner can get it!
There are no needs for gaskets in a relationship with God. The surface of our heart that mates with Jesus, is a perfect fit. He built us to match with Him, remember we were built in His image, not some off shore replica. When you accept Jesus you are a perfect fit-no leaking, weeping, or spots on the ground where you park. But just the opposite happens when something gets between you and God. You leak. Internally from the heart. You see nothing should ever come between you and God-that is His desire for you. But once again life interferes, and with or without our knowledge, we leak. This gasketting material we let get between us and God causes leaks-it is called sin. And once again it comes down to our choice to participate or not. And it comes from places we may not expect to leak, and the leak doesn't always show. Years ago I made up my heart and mind to not let anything get between God and me. It is a choice. But there again, the leaks are subtle. A ministry can become more important than God. Your car, motorcycle, or hobby can take precedent over walking with Him. Even a wife or family can interfere, and what's worse is we make excuses for our failures.
"Look at all the good the good I'm doing for God," they say, when really all the attention goes to them. Kids suffer from lack of parents being there, and seek alternatives-and sin is readily available. Money goes to your new chrome whosywhatchit, instead of for the things of God, and there again, you and your family suffer. Wives can be more important than God, and excuses are made, and a marriage that once was strong, is now weak and leaking love, because only when God is first in the relationship can the wife be the woman the man desires, and only then can the man be the man the wife needs. God's system, and they work.
And like when we fall and see no blood figure there is no damage, not all leaks show. When a head gasket leaks internally between antifreeze and oil, it causes a milkshake color to occur. And is only internal until you remove the cap-and there it is-damage done. And hopefully found before you are stuck-generally on the side of the road. And the repair is the same as the external leak-replace the gasket-and hopefully no other internal damage has occurred.
Is your life not quite as joyous as it once was? Problems at home, with kids, or at work with the boss or others? Can't find time to read the Bible, and now has no desire? More time spent polishing chrome than with God? Have Sunday mornings meant riding with friends, instead of fellowshipping at church with other believers? Check and see-what has gotten between you and God. And let god repair the leak. It is called repentance, and once you do, He will make all things new-or sometimes even better. It's a relationship, and it takes both to participate. God is ready and willing, are you?
No visible signs of leakage? I hope you catch it before all the love you once had leaks out. The signs are there, and maybe others see them. Get your life checked out with Jesus today. Maintenance is cheaper than repairs, and just may make your ride, or walk with God even more exciting. Catch the leak before it is too late. Babies wear diapers, is your walk past that stage with Christ?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com