Head Gasket

[feelergaugephil]

I rebuilt my 81 G engine and stupidly forgot to put the rubber O rings on the outer studs after I finished it........
It's weeping oil a little, not much, I even torqued the head down 3lbs more, but it's still weeping..............
I'm going to change out the head gasket next week and put new O rings in it, should I change the base gasket aswell ???? (it's NOT leaking)

[nabrams]

If the base gasket is OK, don't mess with it. I think that most of these early 80's bikes never end up needing the base gasket replaced.

[RacingJake]

I've R&R a few heads without replacing the base gasket. If your careful and don't move the cylinder block when you pull the head you should be OK. Just make sure you got all the head bolts and nuts off before you try to pull the head off or else it will be time for a new one.

[Suzuki mad]

If you've recently rebuilt the engine the base gasket may not have 'grabbed' the barrels to much, being new. Get all the bolts out and gently remove the cylinder head. DONT RUSH IT or it will mean a new base gasket.

Suzuki Mad
1981 GS1000ET
1983 GS(X)1100ESD
2002 GSF1200K1

[bwringer]

If it's an original 25+ year old base gasket, you will need a new one.

If it's the one you just replaced, don't worry about it.