I purchased a new set of head and base gaskets when I started working on my bike. Since then, I've removed and reinstalled the head and cylinders 5 or 6 times, so the gaskets have been compressed quite a few times. However, I have not run the engine, so the sealant coating that comes on the gaskets has not been heated yet.
Should the gaskets still be okay?
Personaly I would say not, once or twice maybe but not 5 or 6 times. However I am sure others will say they will be perfectly ok.
No, get some new ones. The head gasket is pretty much a one shot deal, and the base gasket is too cheap not to replace. Especially after 5 times, it's shot. Why did you have to take it apart 5 times anyways?
I have done at least that many times before without any problems, even after running at idle for short periods.
Quote from: ducati_nolan on March 20, 2007, 06:04:13 PM
Why did you have to take it apart 5 times anyways?
Just kept finding more problems.
The mechanic I took it to for a diagnostic pointed me in the wrong direction. He told me he did a leakdown test and said it wasn't the valves. So of course, that's the last place I look.
It was the valves.