1995 EN500 Cylinder Gasket - Replace?

[climb_eng]

Last night I was pulling the cylinder head off of my 1995 Vulcan 500 (I've got coolant in my oil!). As I was hammering on the head to break the gasket, the cylinder gasket separated (the one that connects the cylinder to the crankcase).

I have the head off now, i'm wondering if it's a good idea to replace my cylinder gasket as well, or should I just replace the head gasket, tighten everything back together and proceed as normal.

Also, my coolant looked very clean, it's just the oil is all chocolate-malty and foamy, plus I'm losing coolant as I ride. What other paths are there for coolant to get into the oil besides the cylinder head gasket?

[elr658]

Mechanical seal on the water pump which is MUCH more likely than a head gasket.

[JimmyD]

+1 on the water pump. It is pretty rare for the head gasket to go in these engines.

Be careful when removing the water pump cover, IIRC you have to remove a bolt from the impeller first and remove it. If you pull the whole thing you will break off the impeller.

I've never pulled the head on my bikes but I have read from those who have that this engine likes to leak after reassembling. New gaskets and a lapping/resurfacing to be safe.

[JimmyD]

After looking at the parts diagram I'd have to say that the screw comes out of the impeller, and then the impeller unscrews as well. I also think it's reverse threaded, lefty tighty, righty loosey.

Don't quote me on that though, its been a while.