Have my Ex-Racebike GSXR1000 K8 back on road duty now & have noticed numerous minor engine oil leaks from it. The oil cooler appears to be pinched & oozing oil slowly & both the engine covers are weeping oil somewhere near the bottom of the cover. Needless to say I want to put this right ASAP.

I have another oil cooler to fit so that’s no problem but my questions are more about the gaskets really. Are the gaskets the normal main point of weakness for an oil leak where the cases seem intake (case protectors have been fitted) or can a case cover generally be split & leaking without any visible damage? The plan is to replace both engine cover gaskets & fit the other oil cooler at the same time obviously whilst doing a general oil/filter so want to get it right first time. Also is an aviation style non hardening gasket seal useful to use on paper gaskets or should you just fit the gasket dry?.

Also can you get away without fitting new O-Rings to the oil cooler fitting joints? Not being cheap just don’t have them in the garage at the moment & would need to order them…