Do I need to replace the gaskets every time I change the oil or is this just HD trying to get more of my money?

 

I feel your pain. I just replaced my primary chain tensioner shoe. $5 for the shoe, $32 frickin' dollars for the primary gasket. What a rip! I figured it was cheap insurance versus having a leak and adding another $8 for another quart of oil.

 

BTW. Welcome to the Forums!

 

Which gasket?

If your talkin about the O-ring on the drain plug you can just inspect it, if its still nice and round, clean it reoil it and reuse it. If its torn or ragged replace it. If you oil an o-ring before installing it they tend not to get torn up as fast and will last several uses.

 

Spending 32 bucks to possibly save 8 doesn't compute..LOL...In my experience, the primary cover gasket is good for more than one use.

 

Having worked as a tech for HD for some years and having performed countless oil changes I can officially state it's in your motorcycle's best interests to change the oil ring every time it's accessed. Having said that, unofficially, it's strictly a cash grab as it's reusable until it shows visible signs of deterioration. HD has and will continue to charge it's customers as much as the market will bear. It's just a fact of life.

 

i change the o ring each time. i figure if i didn't catch a crack or tear, i'd end up having a drip until i replaced it. fifty bucks worth of oil being jeopardized for the cost of an o-ring? to me, that's a no brainer. i always cut the old one so it cannot be re used, although i have stashed a few of the ones which look to be in pristine condition, just in case.

 

I change my O-ring about every 3rd change...i am still on my original Primary inspection cover gasket at 43000. never had a drip...o use a little pipe dope on my drain plugs every time...Acts as a anti seize also...Pretty cheap to do so though but HD will try to sell you one everytime...

 

Personal preference - as you can see from others. I'm in-line w/the "3rd time's a charm" responder - swap every 3rd change. Cheers!

 

Thanks guys... I kinda thought that changinig them every time sounded odd.