Gasket Replacement

Hi all,
Sorry if this seems too simple of a question, but I am new to the motorcycle world and have just began cutting my teeth at DIY engine work.

I plan to polish/paint some various parts of my 1983 Maxim 750 engine and have a question about gaskets. Once I drain the oil, what else do I need to worry about when taking off the various covers of the engine (clutch, crankcase, etc.)? Is it as simple as draining the oil and being prepared to catch residual oil when taking off the covers?
The biggest question is really dealing with gaskets. Which of these covers have gaskets and which ones need replacing? When replacing, can I (should I) just use gasket maker, or do I need to get specific ones ordered? What kind of gasket maker is good to use?

I should mention that I have a shop manual and will tighten all of the bolts back to spec. Anything else that I need to worry about?

Thanks!!

 

you want to use JIS screwdrivers and or a hand impact driver for the screws. those are JIS screws and the right driver won't slip out as easy.
the two smaller round covers with 4 screws, one over the ignition the other nothing don't really need a gasket. gasket in a tube will work but if they have a weep hole on the bottom, keep it open.
the clutch cover has a gasket, get a new one. while you're in there clean the oil sight glass with a q-tip. there's a funky oil splash thing in there, nothing special just make sure it's in there.
the shifter cover might get messy. it has a seal where the shaft comes through, might as well get one of those too.
you want to check the valve clearance so get that rubber seal and the donuts that go under the bolts.
just be careful scraping the old gaskets, don't gouge the metal
some guys use sealer even with gaskets, that's up to you. sometimes that will save the gasket next time it comes off

 

Thanks Polock! Very helpful. When it comes to buying gaskets, where can you even get them? Just with Chacal? Reason I ask is that I live in Canada and getting ANYTHING across the border is always more of a pain than I would like. That's kind of why I want to try making my own if possible.
Does it matter what kind of gasket or gasket/sealer I use? Would something that covers from -65/400F work?
Thanks!

 

a yamaha dealer could still get gaskets i think. but if you go for a whole set, some of the ebay gaskets ain't quite right. chacal's work every time.
the whole set isn't much more than a few separate gaskets. get a set and trace them
that sealer would work. the shifter cover gasket is part of a oil separator breather type thing, so be careful there