Oil pan gasket fix.

[Anonymous]

I just rebuilt the petcock, and drained the oil. I put a new filter in and want to put a new seal on the oil pan before adding oil. Looks like I will have to drop the whole exhoust before I can get to the oil pan. Do I need to replace any parts on the exhoust like gaskets or anything before I put the header back on? Also in my manual I see a round screen under the motor behind the oil pan. Do I need to clean anything inside the motor or put any filters in it while the pan is down? I have an 82 GS 850L W stock pipes by the way. Thanks Chris.

[Anonymous]

Motorcycle specific oil?

Does motorcycle specific oil have any advantages? Like to the clutch or any other parts. I intend on getting some just to be sure. Should I stray from the recomended oil since I have a 20 yr olld bike?

[Anonymous]

We just covered this issue in a recent post. Read this link for a great opinion from a chemist: www.yft.org/tex_vfr/tech/oil.htm

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I am still wondering about the seals one the header. The ones I have seen in the past are two pieces of metal per pipe. I was told that they are like compresion fittings and are spent each time you take them out. I have seen other guys just use them over and over again.

[Jethro]

I tried to reuse my last exhaust gaskets last time I replaced the pipe and had tons of leaks. They are designed to crush when you tourqe down the manifold bolts so I recommend you replace them.

[saaz]

The header pipes seal can lak if reused. best to replace them while you are at it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I am still wondering about the seals one the header. The ones I have seen in the past are two pieces of metal per pipe. I was told that they are like compresion fittings and are spent each time you take them out. I have seen other guys just use them over and over

Those half-shell collars can be re-used. The exhaust gaskets are something else and they should be replaced. You'll find the gaskets stuck up in the exhaust port after removing the exhaust, pry them out with a screwdriver. To keep the new ones in place while you're installing the pipe, try bending them slightly oval, just enough so they'll fit snug into the exhaust port.
Axel

[Anonymous]

Ahhhh. Now I have been educated.

Thanks. I almost decided to just put the oil in and fix the leak when it became a real gusher. I'll go find some gaskets and get it done.