Topic: Do I need / should I replace the head gasket...

[Oz350Four]

Good afternoon forum folk,

Seeking opinion / advice regarding the head gasket on my CB350F project.
I received the bike from the PO owner as is with 13000 miles on the odometer and it hadn't been run for the last 8 years.
I have never started / run the bike.  When I got it the tank was quite rusted inside so I wasn't prepared to run fuel through it.
The engine is out of the frame so it may be an opportune time to do repairs, cleaning, painting etc.
Anyways the question is does it look like the head gasket needs replacing..!!?? (see pix)

Thanks in advance...

[Mantree]

I have run around with them leaking like that but if you are already getting in there you might as well go for it

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[flatlander]

what's your plan?
if you just want to get it running first to see how it does, i'd say leave it as is because you'll likely come across other things that will need fixing and then you'll be able to do it all together.
on the other hand, if you plan to rebuild it before first firing it up then by all means, change the gasket together with other things you are replacing at the same time.

[Duanob]

Clean it up, retorque the head bolts and ride it. If it still leaks bad then think about replacing it.

[flybox1]

+1
soda blast it, paint it, get it running.
Deal with the leak (and possible other issues) AFTER you get it running and see what else it needs.