valve covers, oil pan gasket

[mycat8urskidoo]

well since my throttle cable is now inop, i've got some parts im going to replace that i've been putting off for awhile now, im going to change the valve cover gasket , oil pan gasket, and change oil, filter and plugs, if anyone can give me any tips on any of these parts, and a throttle cable, let me know, one more question, on the valve cover, theres 4 chrome caps, and it looks like theres rubber half moons under the gasket when you take the caps off, and i was wondering if i'd be alirght not replacing those when i do the gasket
thanks
oh yeah the bike is a 80 gs550

[mark]

I've always simply used OEM gaskets from Bikebandit.com or other on-line parts store. The only recommendation I have is to NOT to use silicone on gaskets, as long as your gasket surface is clean, they work fine as is. Torque them down in proper sequence and not too tight. You manual should give a sequence and specification. Use the right tools.

If you're doing all that work, replace the half-moon end caps. They're cheap.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Replace the 1/2 moon plugs or it will drip

[Tom MLC]

I agree with Mark. Don't use any gasket goop when you replace the gasket. Just make sure both surfaces are clean. The chrome covers are esthetic only. Polish 'em up and re-use 'em. The half moons may not necessarily leak, but you might as well change them while you have the chance. Install them backwards so they can't pop out.

If you want to learn from my mistakes, check out this thread

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=95544

[mycat8urskidoo]

well i got the valve cover off, is there anything that i should check while i've got the cover off?, all the lobes seem to be good on the cam, is there anyway to check the cam chain tension?, it seems a little loose, i took the exhaust off to do the oil pan, exhaust valves are covered in white carbon, but they're all still there, haha, i'd like to check valve clearance or whatever it is, but dont have the tools to do so, i've got pretty much everything tool wise except specialty tools for bikes, havent made it that far on the matco truck yet.