Stator Cover Gasket

[1948man]

I read BassCliff's stator replacement tutorial and did some searching but dont find anything on this detail. I am not replacing my stator, just taking off, powder-coating and putting back on my stator cover. I was hoping to get it back together without disconnecting any stator wires. The problem is there is no way to thread the wires thru the little portal in the gasket unless I'm looking at it wrong. In the picture, the area of the gasket where the wires pass thru has 2 gasket branches (I'm making up terms here.) The outer branch (pointed out by the ballpoint pen) would seem to not really have any oil against it. Kind of as if it's just acting as a spacer. Could I make a clean cut in that area to get the wire in there.

[Nessism]

You could cut it there but I wouldn't. Just trace the stator wires back upstream and disconnect them proper like. You will likely find the connectors black and cooked so don't be shocked if the terminals will have to be replaced (yes, it never stops).

[1948man]

Thanks Ed. Guess I was being a little lazy.