Is changing the Oil Pump Drive Gear worth it?

[txrenegade]

I've got a 2004 xb12r with just over 13k miles on it. Should I go ahead and change the oil pump drive gear before it goes to hell all over the internals or is it too big of a pain to do? I'm fairly proficient with turning wrenches but this is my first bike and digging into the case is a little taunting. So what say ye? Worth doing early or wait till it breaks?

 

[wolfo68]

worth changing, mine went and took my cams with it.
you'll need a camshaft locking tool if you decide to

 

[txrenegade]

Is that the only specialty tool I'd need? What about the gasket between the case and the motor?

 

[wolfo68]

I'd order a new cam cover gasket and use it, but I know people have gotten away with reusing the old one. be on the safe side and order a cometic. the crankshaft locking tool is like 50 at the cheapest

 

[txrenegade]

Anyone know where to order the tool? Or better yet let me borrow or rent one for a weekend?