I've read countless threads on leaky base gasket, and plenty of replies saying its a fairly easy job to do in a day.

What procedures should I follow if I'm only going to replace the base gaskets? Will the thicker cosmetic seals change the compression of the motor?

 

gotta move everything out of the way....and when you get to pulling the cylinder, only pull up as far as the piston pin....and remove clips, keeping piston inside cylinder

swapping to stock size cometic base gaskets won't change your compression

 

James base gaskets are a sure bet seal. You should do a compression test first. Personally I would do the rings at least.

 

So the position of the pistons won't have any affect on removing anything? Meaning, once I get started, I won't have to rotate the motor at all?

So I'll need:
Base gaskets
Head gaskets
Rocker cover gaskets
Intake gaskets
Exhuast gaskets
And possibily rings

Anything else I should consider?

 

if you have to go through all of that - the cam could be replaced...with all of the trimmings.

if not, get a new set of o rings for the push rod tubes as well. Might as well do that.

you are removing the piston, but you are keeping it inside the jug at all times, so you don't have to re-install the rings. Once the jug and piston are off together, you don't need to rotate the motor. this isn't the hard part imo. removing the piston retaining clip is also not hard. get a NEW set of those for a few pennies.

 

...if all you need to really do is replace the base gasket, then just do that.... and no pistons won't have any affect on removing anything....they remain in the cylinder

i would turn the engine over until you know that particular cylinder is at a low point in order to ease removal of piston/cylinder combo over cylinder studs....my 2 cents

and yes, all those gaskets you list you will need to replace.... rocker cover gaskets with the exception of base rocker gaskets might be re-usable, but i would just get new ones

no need for new rings unless you pull piston from cylinder and they need replacing

 

[QUOTE=Cleetussnow;9961634]if you have to go through all of that - the cam could be replaced...with all of the trimmings.

if not, get a new set of o rings for the push rod tubes as well. Might as well do that. [QUOTE/]

Cam has been replaced with ev27 and cam chest gasket replaced with cometic, and pushrod tube o-rings replaced at that time

 

Just get a top end set and you will have all the gaskets and seals you will need. It's a good time to freshen up the rings and valves. That will pick up the performance a noticable amount.
John

 

Make sure to pack rags in the base before you take the clips loose so they don't fall in and you only need to take one clip off of each piston to pull the pin. You can take the others ones off on the bench and the reverse with the new ones, will make it easier than doing it on the bike.

 

I see the top end gasket kits on JP cycles. I don't want to start a **** storm, but is cometic worth the extra bills over the James kits?