Topic: Is gasket replacement after oil pan drop necessary?

[___aLovelyAntihero___]

Hi, just a quick question, guys. I did a search, but didn't find anything. Should i replace the oil pan gasket just because i dropped the pan? Basically what I'm asking is, are they reusable? I want to assume so, but it's such a serious business part of the bike.
The pan has never been off the bike (from what I can see) and it's got 25,xxx miles on it. I'm having a difficult time finding anything but expensive NOS gaskets or complete gasket sets.
Anyway, thanks for the help.
-steve

[Elan]

If its the original gasket i'd probably replace it. But if you really dont want to, use it and see if it leaks. Cyclex sells them for 8.50.

[lucky]

Hi, just a quick question, guys. I did a search, but didn't find anything. Should i replace the oil pan gasket just because i dropped the pan? Basically what I'm asking is, are they reusable? I want to assume so, but it's such a serious business part of the bike.
The pan has never been off the bike (from what I can see) and it's got 25,xxx miles on it. I'm having a difficult time finding anything but expensive NOS gaskets or complete gasket sets.
Anyway, thanks for the help.
-steve

You can reuse the original gasket as long as it does not tear or delaminate.
If it is still good just smear a little Vasaline on the mating surface and put it back together. Very common with oil gaskets.

You cannot do that with a transmission gasket on a car though. Different problem.

[LesterPiglet]

I've never replaced mine. I don't know how many times the pan has been off. I remove the rubber from the groove and use a very little sealant then replace the rubber making sure no sealant squishes out.

[MCRider]

I've never replaced mine. I don't know how many times the pan has been off. I remove the rubber from the groove and use a very little sealant then replace the rubber making sure no sealant squishes out.

I think we are assuming the question was about a CB750 which uses a flat paper gasket. It often rips or delaminates upon removal of pan. But if it comes off cleanly it can be reused.

[LesterPiglet]

Ah, my bad. Sorry.

[___aLovelyAntihero___]

I'm sorry, I should have clarified... It's for a cb550k, so i thnk it does have the rubber/groove type. Thanks for all the help,  at least now I know it's safe to crack it open without having one on order. You guys kick a$s.

[MCRider]

I'm sorry, I should have clarified... It's for a cb550k, so i thnk it does have the rubber/groove type. Thanks for all the help,  at least now I know it's safe to crack it open without having one on order. You guys kick a$s.

Oops, now my bad!     I'd think a rubber Oring (formed) should be reusable with a touch of sealer as LP mentioned.

[lucky]

Ah, my bad. Sorry.

I made a mistake like that today about an air filter and TwoTired threw the book at me.

[___aLovelyAntihero___]

It's all good! The sealant was slipping my mind, so thanks for bringing that up
One more quick (related) question... There's that 2"-ish long rubber line running from the oil pickup into the block, is that just regular old fuel line? I'd like to replace it, as mine seems hard and unpliable, but I worry that maybe it's NOT fuel line and it's supposed to be that way, and fuel line will not work in the application.
I once again thank you guys for your readiness to answer my rookie questions, you're all helping me through this.

[LesterPiglet]

Fuel line will work, but it doesn't need to be pliable as it doesn't move anywhere.