Oil pan gasket replacement

Hello all,

I have the exhaust off of my 82 XJ650 Maxim, have it sitting on the center stand and some jack stands, wondering if the oil pan can be removed with the engine in the frame or only with it out. Not that there appear to be any leaks but while I have everything else apart, fitting new gaskets everywhere else I can I'm wondering if it is worth while to remove the pan, clean and degrease it, put it back in with a new gasket - or follow the "if it ain't broke" strategy and simply leave it alone for now.

I already have to drain the engine oil for a number of reasons so I'm already going to be about 90% there.

When replacing the oil pan is it just straight gasket or gasket + RTV.
I'll check the multiple manuals I have, they generally all say the same thing but I also like to check personal experience...

Thanks!

 

The oil pan can be removed in-situ.

If it's not leaking just leave it be. Gaskets are one thing that should not be effed with unless necessary.

If you do change the gasket:
Gasket only, no RTV needed. You can use a thin smear on one side to help it stay in place on the pan while you put it back on.

 

Super, I'll just clean the pan up, the oil level sensor is leaking oil all over the pan, already have the o-ring (as well as the neutral sensor crush washer just in case) and will be draining the oil to replace that o-ring as well as the shift side case covers which have a leak at the bottom as well as at the shift lever.

I'll also be installing the spin on oil filter mod, replacing the oil pan drain plug and crush washer, etc. before I clearance the valves... the latter being the most daunting (I have all of the tools, parts, etc. - we'll see how it goes).

Just now contemplating replacing the fuse block (found a stick being used to compress the contacts around the glass fuse...) so just looking for a suitable replacement unit now.

Lots to do - bike is forks, frame and engine at this point.