Motor covers

One of my winter projects is to pull all the side covers off the motor to inspect the internals and also do some polishing.
Am I going to need a lot of new gaskets?
Can I reuse them if the come off in good shape?
Or do you use some kind of gasket in a tube?
I've got some light oil leaks in some places now.
Nothing nearly bad enough to leave oil on the floor of the garage.

 

I have tapped my own leak-free gaskets from gasket material sourced from Kragens but it is time and labor intensive. I also use sealant on my homemade gaskets as a guaranty of leak-free seals. I would not suggest re-using the old gaskets (got leaks with them now correct?) if you have the time and means to install new unless you have no other options. Heck, if they come off ok, use them for patterns. There are several new form-a-gasket goodies on the market. I've recently been told of Permatex's The-Right-Stuff. Supposedly the final word on gasket-in-a-tube. I bought a tube but haven't had need of it yet so I can't speak much about it. Best of luck to you.

 

I would suggest if your going to pull the covers to inspect and polish, while they are off might as well do a little preventative maintenance and put new gaskets in er while you have it torn down. Just a though as to what I plan for this winter. Just a general look over and a good polish, new gaskets where old ones came off, just to make sure I get a good seal and should have to worry about them for awhile. If you do plan on pulling covers often to polish then you could coat the new gasket or the old ones if you are going to reuse with a light coat of pam, as I have seen mentioned in other boards. This will keep the gasket from sticking to the case but not keep it from sealing. Just some of my thoughts or ramblings I guess you could say, take it easy everyone....