Topic: oil pan gasket

[dkruitz]

Hi all - I've gotten my project CB500 up and running a few times - I've noticed afterwards anywhere from a few drips to a small puddle of oil - I've checked my oil pan bolts and they're snugged down (not too hard I hope) but upon later inspection, I'm not sure I'm seeing an oil pan gasket.   How thin are these - is it paper thin, or thicker like say a manilla folder, or thicker yet?  Should I be able to see it on edge with the pan secure?

[bryanj]

on the 500/550/650 its an "O" ring in a groove on the pan

[hymodyne]

They tend to flatten out and harden over time easy replacement well worth the cost of replacement.

hym

[dkruitz]

An o-ring - never thought of that for the oil pan.  I picked up a filter today from Honda, and cleaned all around - turns out the shift seal is leaking, that, and I suspect my petcock is contributing to the problem. :-(  Seems to be a "sour-spot" where the petcock lever doesn't seal quite right.
The Honda parts guy thought I had to use "special" motorcycle 10W40 oil for this - I hadn't realized there was - or can I use "regular" auto-zone 10W40 that I'd normally put in a car? 
Thanks,
Dan
'71 CB500

[hymodyne]

An o-ring - never thought of that for the oil pan.  I picked up a filter today from Honda, and cleaned all around - turns out the shift seal is leaking, that, and I suspect my petcock is contributing to the problem. :-(  Seems to be a "sour-spot" where the petcock lever doesn't seal quite right.
The Honda parts guy thought I had to use "special" motorcycle 10W40 oil for this - I hadn't realized there was - or can I use "regular" auto-zone 10W40 that I'd normally put in a car? 
Thanks,
Dan
'71 CB500

ahh.. the great oil selection question... Let me go get something to sip on...

hym

[bryanj]

No oil with friction inhibitors