Gasket required?

[Guest]

If I want to adjust the valves on my bike (first time), is it safe to assume that I will HAVE to replace the gasket? I'm trying to determine if this is a requirement or just a good idea? Thanks.

[tkent02]

No way of knowing until you take the old one off, but if it's been on there for decades it will probably not come off without a fight. I'd order a gasket.

[srg]

Replace the breather gasket too.

When I did my valves for the first time, I replaced all the bolts as well, as they were almost all 30+ years old and some were mixmatched.

[Brendan W]

If you end up having to remove bits of the old gasket stuck to the head put the plugs back in and pack the gaps beside the camshafts with paper or rags otherwise pieces will fall where the sun doesn't shine - guaranteed
If there is a particularly sticky bit you may find coming at it from the other side is easier than risking gouging the sealing surface.
I coat the surfaces with grease to reduce the possibility of it sticking again.