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Replace the base gasket?

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Looks like my head gasket is leaking oil so I am going to replace it but wonder if it is necessary to also replace the base gasket? I know what a pain it can be to get the cylinders down over the piston rings so would rather avoid that if I can.
 
usually you would replace it because when you take off the head, there is no pressure on the base gasket, therefore breaking a 26 year old seal. you could just be ginger with it and shoot for the best but its easier to take it apart once and not twice when you find out it leaks. also, putting the pistons back into the cylinders isnt that hard. i did all four by myself without a ring compressor. four hands would be easier.
 
Hi 7th Day! I am in the same situation. I need to replace the head gasket on GS5650 but have been wondering about the base gasket before starting. Have you decided on the gasket kit?
catbed- how long did it take for you to replace all gaskets? How did you removed the base gasket?

Thanks
 
it took me 2 days to replace the two gaskets but that included removing the old gasket. i used permatex gasket remover and a razor blade. be sure to remove the o-rings from around the cylinders on the bottom before though.
 
When I replaced my head gasket, I only had a week to do it in (had to teach an ERC the following weekend), so I removed all parts necessary to remove the head, cleaned it all up completely, and re-installed the head, etc. The base gasket has weeped a very small amount since I bought the bike and it hasn't changed a bit since I replaced the head gasket. Be real careful doing this job, and you can leave the base gasket intact..............:-D
 
DanTheMan said:
When I replaced my head gasket, I only had a week to do it in (had to teach an ERC the following weekend), so I removed all parts necessary to remove the head, cleaned it all up completely, and re-installed the head, etc. The base gasket has weeped a very small amount since I bought the bike and it hasn't changed a bit since I replaced the head gasket. Be real careful doing this job, and you can leave the base gasket intact..............:-D
Click to expand...

Yea, don't change the base gasket if you are ok with base gasket weepage.;) If you expect an oil tight engine, replace it.
 
Seems awfully silly to me to do 95% of the job and then wimp out.

Pull the cylinders and replace the base gasket and o-rings, fercripessake. What's so scary about putting the cylinders back on, anyway? It aint' that hard -- just get a buddy to help, or take your time and do it yerself.


Had enough taunting?



And since you're in the neighborhood, it would also be an EXCELLENT idea to pull the pistons, clean them up nicely, replace the piston rings and circlips, and lightly hone the bores before putting the whole thing back together.
 
Ok Ok I know I'm just a little on the lazy side so I'll replace the base gasket also. Thanks for all the replies. :)
 
Well, like I said, I only had a week to do the job in, and I had other work to be done besides. I didn't have time for rings, cylinder honing, etc. It had to run on time, even with having a whole week to do it in I was having issues with idling when I got it together, and didn't have the problem resolved by Saturday when I had to coach the ERC. It was a decision I didn't make lightly, but it had to be done that way. I can live with a small amount of oil weepage and still ride the bike, pretend it's a Hardley, I guess...........:-D
Nessism said:
Yea, don't change the base gasket if you are ok with base gasket weepage.;) If you expect an oil tight engine, replace it.
Click to expand...
 
I wouldn't go that deep unless you already have a problem with it. The base gasket is there for the most part to keep gasses from escaping from the engine. The oil level never gets that high. There are probably oil squirt holes in the connecting rod ends that could over squirt and get oil across the base of the cylinders but a tight as the fit into the crank it would have a hard time flowing uphill. Most of the leaks blamed on the base gasket are from something else. I've pulled several heads, nevered replaced a base gasket and never had one leak.
 
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