How important are the Head Gasket O-Rings?

[cmat1120]

I'm putting a new head on my gs and I'm finding it difficult to find those little o rings that go around the head studs. The ones I have are definitely not in perfect shape(theres small tears in them) so I'm assuming that they should be replaced, but I'm just curious how necessary they are. I'd really like to get my bike running again asap. My intentions are to replace them just out of practice, but if they aren't all that necessary and I can get by with some that aren't in the best shape I'd be ok with that too. Thanks.

[bmf]

Do you mean the o-rings beliw the Allen key bolts that holds the Valve cover down?  They could allow oil to leak out our junk to leak in.  Either way not good.  Take them to any good hardware parts place and they should be able to match them closely enough.

[cmat1120]

No they're the special o rings that go around the head studs in between the cylinder and the head along with the head gasket. Part number is 11143-06B00. They are an unusual shape that I doubt I'd find at a hardware store. From my understanding oil flows around the head studs which acts like a channel and so maybe they have to do with that? But doesn't the head gasket do all the sealing at that level?

[Janx101]

O rings between a cylinder block and head? .. necessary? ! ... no? :rolleyes: .... you can/will  stuff your engine though!...

Sorry. . Sarcasm. . I'm tired and reluctant to discard post

[icecold]

...but I'm just curious how necessary they are. I'd really like to get my bike running again asap...

I'm interested.. Did you try it?

[metatron]

Hmmm ok I know how to explain this.
Look at naked bike and a bicycle. See all the bits on the bike between the seat and the bottom of the frame that are missing? If you mess with them, leave bits off or put them back wrong, instead of a motorcycle you will own a pushcycle....

[Janx101]

Most eloquent Meta!!

[Al Capwn]

I think it is safe to assume that anything that is in the engine is "important". Just replace them, they are ~4.00 a pop. I replaced mine when I replaced the head gasket just as a matter of practice.

[icecold]

Yeah, I was just impatient. They ended up coming before the weekend, though, along with my new head gaskets.
For anyone in the future who finds this via google (like I did): I've found it referenced in another thread that those o-ring/washers are not just to keep oil from leaking... they help oil pressure to lube the cams or something like that. More important than I first figured and I'm glad I didn't try to half-ass this just so I could ride this weekend