Gaskets and scrubbing dirty engines

[the1pig]

So I torn down the top half of my 82 gs1100gk to replace gaskets due to major oil leaks. Due to the leaks the engine is extremely dirty.

I was going to clean the top half while it is apart put it back together then scrub the bottom half. so I do not get moisture in the bottom half of the engine.

My questions is this. Someone has told me I need to ride the bike several time to set up the gaskets before I was it other wise I risk screwing up my work by damaging the gaskets.

Has any one heard of this or am I ok cleaning the bike after it is put back together???

I have never heard of this but then I have only worked on autos where you don't wash the engine after assembly.

[chef1366]

Clean it when it's installed. It won't hurt anything. You do have to retourque the head after around 500 miles though.

[bwringer]

Never heard of that "setting the gaskets" thing.

There are some loopy beliefs out there, though, and motorcycling has more than its fair share. Next, some crusty old biker bro will solemnly tell you "Ya don't wanna touch that front brake, 'cause it'll flip ya right over the handlebars."

I would caution that you don't want to use a pressure washer on an assembled engine. Water under extreme pressure can and will blast past the gaskets. Water from a garden hose nozzle (35 psi or so) is fine. 3,000 psi from a pressure washer is not fine. I have used high pressure to clean parts, of course.

There have been a few cases here where someone used a pressure washer on a complete engine and wondered why the oil looked like mayonnaise shortly thereafter.

[the1pig]

Thanks I have never heard of it before also but since it is my first time working on motorcycles I thought it be best to ask those who know other then take the word of some guy I don't know. Thanks for all of your help hopefully she will be back on the road the weather is just about right for riding.