Installing new clutch springs, need a new gasket?

[Odinist]

I got new clutch springs in the mail today, and was pretty excited because I wanted to be able to get this job done this weekend. Problem is, I completely forgot to order a new clutch cover gasket. Do I *have* to use a new gasket, or can I reuse the old one?

[eddiev]

I did my clutch last month and not only was the old gasket unusable, it was a horror getting the surface gasket free. I had to scrape the old gasket off with a razor blade piece by piece and then use a dremel to smooth it all out. Now, this could have been because the po used sealant on the gasket or it ws very old. I dipped mine in motor oil and it sealed fine.
Hope it helps.
Eddie V

[crapwacker]

You can fab one. Auto parts stores carry gasket material, or I have even heard of using very thin cardboard to make one.

[Joe Nardy]

Yes, you'll probably have to replace the gasket. When you install the new one put a thin coat of grease on both sides of the gasket. The next time you have to remove it it will come off easily and can probably be reused.

Thanks,
Joe

[bwringer]

This situation is governed by Murphy's Law.

If you have a gasket, the old one will peel off perfectly and easily.

If you don't have a gasket, the old one will stick and shatter into a million pieces.

You can make your own if you're patient, or just order a new one. I'd do both -- make a gasket in order to get by until a new one comes in. If the homemade gasket doesn't leak, then you have an extra. If it does leak, then the bike will probably at least be rideable for a few days.

[rphillips]

NO WAY TO KNOW, till you get the cover off. Do you feel lucky? it's probably a 50 / 50 shot

[Dave_17954]

I just put in a newer clutch on my 650. I went to napa and bought some gasket material and made my own. I just laid the clutch cover on top of the gasket paper and traced out the outside of the patteren. Then i used a 1/4 drill and made the holes while i had the cover laying on the gasket so they lined up perfectly. To make the inside cut i just bolted the cover back on minus the clutch and it will make a perfect impression on your gasket for the inside line. I used an exacto knife to cut it out with. And like mentioned by the other guys i put a thin layer of grease on both sides for easy next time removal. No leaks and it only cost me a whopping $2.25.

[mike_of_bbg]

Do you eat boxed cereal?

[eddiev]

I just put in a newer clutch on my 650. I went to napa and bought some gasket material and made my own. I just laid the clutch cover on top of the gasket paper and traced out the outside of the patteren. Then i used a 1/4 drill and made the holes while i had the cover laying on the gasket so they lined up perfectly. To make the inside cut i just bolted the cover back on minus the clutch and it will make a perfect impression on your gasket for the inside line. I used an exacto knife to cut it out with. And like mentioned by the other guys i put a thin layer of grease on both sides for easy next time removal. No leaks and it only cost me a whopping $2.25.

Great system. I'm curious if you do it for the valve cover gasket also. I would think that one is really difficult to make.

[crapwacker]

Speaking of clutch springs, I'm going to pull of my clutch cover to remove the crappy paint and polish it. Would it be of any benefit to replace the clutch springs at that time?

[Odinist]

Speaking of clutch springs, I'm going to pull of my clutch cover to remove the crappy paint and polish it. Would it be of any benefit to replace the clutch springs at that time?

They're like, $1.25 each, why not? =)

[rustybronco]

Great system. I'm curious if you do it for the valve cover gasket also. I would think that one is really difficult to make.

It's just the time required to do it. http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...61&postcount=9