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Buell Forum » Old School Buell » Archive through May 25, 2009 » When installing head gasket, is base gasket needed? « Previous Next »

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Purpony
Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 02:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I need to replace my front head gasket due to a leak X1. I was told when i replace the head gasket, i should also replace the base gasket since i will be "unloading" the pressure from it. Is this true? I really would rather not pull the jug if i really dont have to.
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Blackm2
Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 03:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yes, it is a very good idea, since you wouldn't want to do it all over again if that base gasket starts leaking. While your halfway there, do it.
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Sleez
Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 03:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

some will tell you that it is not needed, i would always replace the base once releasing the torque load. my .02

cheap insurance and a little hassle to make sure you don't have to redo the whole job anyways!
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Kyrocket
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 12:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I know it sounds like a PITA but believe me it will be a whole lot easier doing it now than to change out the top end and 500 miles from now get a weeping base gasket.
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Crazyman54783
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 07:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

i have changed my rear 3 times and not replaced the base gasket. if you dont move it and it goes back to the same spot then you should be fine. ive got 35000miles on mine and no weeping... at least at the base gasket. Im going to have to split the case after this year its weeping were the case halfs meet.
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Firemanjim
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 10:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have done 3 in the last month--one on my own bike-- and left the bases alone with no problem.Just be sure not to turn over the motor.
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Buelltours
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 11:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

if you're all the way to the head gasket it takes like 10 minutes more to change the base. If you still have the paper gasket then it will take some time to remove it, but you will replace it with a metal gasket, which should give you more peace of mind... I say: replace it. Cheers
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Pkforbes87
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 12:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I don't know if it's necessary or not but I do know that you'll have a more enjoyable overall experience if you take the extra step to do all of the small things. Base gaskets aren't expensive and it isn't time consuming to change them once the heads are off.

If you care about your bike and skip this one little step it's gonna be in the back of your mind every single mile you ride. That's how it would affect me anyway.
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Sloppy
Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 11:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You can also check squish clearance while you're this far along. I've read for a number of people that to get a better squish clearance they REMOVE the base gasket and use a liquid sealer instead...
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