Grrr!!! cylinder head replacement help!!

M

member9724

XS400 Member

Messages

16

Reaction score

0

Points

1

Location

Fort worth, TX

• May 3, 2014

• #1

This is my 2nd post and in my 1st I explained how I had a stripped spark plug thread and decided to buy a new head. Well new head came in for 50$ and I realized that there is almost no information on how to do this! I took it to a shop for an estimate and the guy wanted $400!!!!
Could someone point me in the direction of how to pull the head and replacing it. Will I need a new head gasket? Will I have to take off the cam chain? Please help#!!!! I wanna ride!!!

 

X

xschris

XS400 Guru

Top Contributor

Messages

10,476

Reaction score

538

Points

163

Location

here

• May 3, 2014

• #2

Did you buy the matching valve cover to go with it? They are matched from the factory so the cam will ride proper. All the info on top end work is in the manual There is also a few threads in the forum too. http://www.xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12157 Free manual.

 

M

member9724

XS400 Member

Messages

16

Reaction score

0

Points

1

Location

Fort worth, TX

• May 3, 2014

• #3

Ahhh I'm not sure if it comes with a cover and I don't have a manual

 

X

xschris

XS400 Guru

Top Contributor

Messages

10,476

Reaction score

538

Points

163

Location

here

• May 3, 2014

• #4

http://www.xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12157 PDF format manual. The cover will have the same code stamped in it, make sure it does.

 

Attachments

• 
  DSC02502.jpg

  258.5 KB · Views: 199
• 
  DSC02501.jpg

  234.3 KB · Views: 285

M

member9724

XS400 Member

Messages

16

Reaction score

0

Points

1

Location

Fort worth, TX

• May 3, 2014

• #5

Damn this really discouraged me... I was all happy that I finally had the head coming in and that I'd be able to ride it soon but this bomb was just dropped on me. I guess I'll have to give the helicoil a try before I buy another head? This sucks. ...

 

X

xschris

XS400 Guru

Top Contributor

Messages

10,476

Reaction score

538

Points

163

Location

here

• May 3, 2014

• #6

You can find matched sets on ebay all the time for cheap.

 

M

member9724

XS400 Member

Messages

16

Reaction score

0

Points

1

Location

Fort worth, TX

• May 3, 2014

• #7

Unfortunately this is what i ended up buying since i didnt know the covers had to match.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161124445077?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

this is really disappointing

 

X

xschris

XS400 Guru

Top Contributor

Messages

10,476

Reaction score

538

Points

163

Location

here

• May 3, 2014

• #8

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-1977...rcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53ff0752a3 I see he has the cover Get it for a matched set.

 

M

member9724

XS400 Member

Messages

16

Reaction score

0

Points

1

Location

Fort worth, TX

• May 3, 2014

• #9

wow what luck! i guess im buying that also. so all i have to do is pair those two together and im good?

 

X

xschris

XS400 Guru

Top Contributor

Messages

10,476

Reaction score

538

Points

163

Location

here

• May 3, 2014

• #10

New gaskets and seals plus a valve lap and you should be good if the head is in good shape.

 

M

member9724

XS400 Member

Messages

16

Reaction score

0

Points

1

Location

Fort worth, TX

• May 3, 2014

• #11

sorry to keep bothering you but will this work? im new to the motorcycle world. also what type of seals should i get? once again im sorry for all the noobishness

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-NOS-Yam...Parts_Accessories&hash=item25802683c5&vxp=mtr

 

X

xschris

XS400 Guru

Top Contributor

Messages

10,476

Reaction score

538

Points

163

Location

here

• May 3, 2014

• #12

Get a complete gasket top end set and do it all while its apart http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-XS40...&fits=Model:XS400&hash=item58aed626ce&vxp=mtr

 

M

member9724

XS400 Member

Messages

16

Reaction score

0

Points

1

Location

Fort worth, TX

• May 3, 2014

• #13

ok so i just bought that kit. now all i have to do is wait for it to come in! im somewhat nervous on doing this myself. im mechanically inclined but ive never messed with a motorcycle so thats why im asking so many questions! ill print and read the manual and see how its done. hopefully i dont screw anything up!

 

X

xschris

XS400 Guru

Top Contributor

Messages

10,476

Reaction score

538

Points

163

Location

here

• May 3, 2014

• #14

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-XS40...&fits=Model:XS400&hash=item5408bf10e1&vxp=mtr This guy also carries a complete seal kit. You will need the cam seal and tach seal. I know is going to be a bit of money altogether with machine work too but it will save you a lot of issues down the line. I think this guy also has standard size piton rings

 

M

member9724

XS400 Member

Messages

16

Reaction score

0

Points

1

Location

Fort worth, TX

• May 3, 2014

• #15

so if i could have your honest opinion. should i try to do this myself or just let a mechanic do it for 400?

 

X

xschris

XS400 Guru

Top Contributor

Messages

10,476

Reaction score

538

Points

163

Location

here

• May 3, 2014

• #16

If you don't feel comfortable ( and have the money) it send it to the shop. You would still need to have the valves lapped and new valve seal put in by a shop if you don't have the right tools/knowledge. I would look around for other places to do the work. If you supply all the parts it should only be a labor cost.

 

M

member9724

XS400 Member

Messages

16

Reaction score

0

Points

1

Location

Fort worth, TX

• May 3, 2014

• #17

im not sure yet. ill keep looking around on the forums to see if anyone has posted a video with step by step instructions on how to do it. if i can somehow find that i more than likely can do it! only problem is finding a video...