Sump gasket replacement

[SlingshotSteve]

I have a small leak coming from the sump on my Bandit drag bike, hoping it’s just a gasket failure and nothing more serious.

Its a long long time since I’ve changed one over, for the new one, what’s best when fitting it? Put it on dry? Oil it? Little smear of gasket seal? Cheers.

[TonyGee]

Suzuki say dry, but make sure the surfaces are clean and dry. 

[Gixer1460]

Based on its use, and potential for more routine removal i'd advise a smear of grease one side or the other on assembly - it aids removal without tearing!

[Dezza]

I recently thought I had a leak and fitted a replacement using hylomar, the nostalgia of it all. Then I discoved the leak was actually coming from the neural switch not the sump. All it needed was a new O'ring. By the way, the price of these gaskets from Suzuki is something like 15 quid! The next one I do I'll smear it with copperslip so it can be re-used.

[bluedog59]

I always smear both sides with grease before fitting. 

1. It holds it in place while fitting the case.

2. I think it helps the gasket move a little into place while tightening the joint.

3. If you have to separate the case and don't have a spare gasket to hand there is more chance of it coming off in one piece.

[clivegto]

I also smear them with grease so they can be removed without damaging the gasket. 

[rodneya]

I've found that a light coat of black RTV helps them release better than grease.

Scraping off old gasket has to be one of my very least favourite jobs.

[clivegto]

Some on hear recommended this stuff to remove old stuck on gasket and I can also now recommend it after using it several times 

[Blubber]

3 hours ago, clivegto said:

Some on hear recommended this stuff to remove old stuck on gasket and I can also now recommend it after using it several times 

Yup, same here. I use it a lot. 

[SlingshotSteve]

Thanks for all the replies, on with it now, I’ll use a little grease as suggested.