Topic: Keeping gaskets fresh...

[vilidat]

I was recently reading some article on the web talking about how to disassemble pre 1980s motorcycles (well I really only read the Honda section). While reading through a sentence caught my eye, "when disassembling any part containing a gasket, remove the gasket and soak in grease or light oil to preserve it until reassembly."
Should this be done? Should I have done this when working on the float bowls of my carbs?

[Gordon]

Gaskets are typically replaced whenever their mating surfaces are separated.  O-rings, in relatively easy to access locations (like carbs), can be reliably reused as long as they're still in good condition.  If your carb o-rings are old enough that they need to be kept in gas during carb work to keep them from hardening and cracking, then it's time for new o-rings. 

[vilidat]

That definitely clears things up, but you said something that I am curious to ask...
Is it bad then to remove a gasket and return it to position without replacement, or is replacement after removal just a better thing to do?

[Gordon]

If the gasket removes easily without any tearing or without leaving any of itself behind on the metal, then It's probably fine to continue using it.  I wouldn't reuse something like a head gasket, though, unless it had just very recently been installed. 

[OldSchool_IsCool]

I was recently reading some article on the web talking about how to disassemble pre 1980s motorcycles (well I really only read the Honda section). While reading through a sentence caught my eye, "when disassembling any part containing a gasket, remove the gasket and soak in grease or light oil to preserve it until reassembly."
Should this be done? Should I have done this when working on the float bowls of my carbs?

I wonder if the article is assuming that replacement gaskets are not available.

[vilidat]

The article was from a vintage motorcycle magazine, they could have been assuming replacement parts were not available

[vilidat]

Ive got another question I hope you all can help me with that revolves around gaskets so I wont waste space opening another thread.
Well this kinda involves gaskets...
Is there really any difference between the 77 and 78 CB750F or the CB750K7 carburetors (Im looking for replacement gaskets)? Both look incredibly similar in the explosion view micro fiche, and the replacement parts look identical as well.
So confused

Oh and one more thing...
Lets say "someone" (not me) accidentally forgot to remove a screw with rubber gaskett on the float chamber of a carb before "that person" (not me) threw it in some carb cleaner. Will I be able to remove the screw after the damage has been done. **Please Say YES ** 

[Gordon]

Oh and one more thing...
Lets say "someone" (not me) accidentally forgot to remove a screw with rubber gaskett on the float chamber of a carb before "that person" (not me) threw it in some carb cleaner. Will I be able to remove the screw after the damage has been done. **Please Say YES ** 

You (wait!  I mean "someone") left the drain screw on, huh?

Worst case scenario I can think of is that the o-ring will just dissolve, if it's one of the stronger parts cleaners. 

[vilidat]

Phew* Im glad thats it, I thought there would be some weird fusion and I wouldnt be able to remove the screw!