Difference between Head and Base Gaskets

[gaillarry]

Ordered a new base gasket and head gasket for my 82. Opened up the packages and they look to be the same - they both have metal inserts for the cylinders - shouldn't one be paper the other metal ??

 

[xschris]

yes. base has gasket and the head has metal and gasket.

 

[gaillarry]

I suspected they gave me duplicate parts. At least I can keep both head gaskets and the dealer is ordering the right base gasket - now wait 2 weeks to get it !!

 

[Scorpio1963]

Where did you get them and what was the cost?

 

[gaillarry]

Got them from Yamaha, $36 for the head gasket and $20 for the base gasket. Now I have 2 head gaskets!

 

[xschris]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-XS-4...Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d38d6dece&vxp=mtr Here is the whole set for less than that

 

[gaillarry]

Since the dealer screwed up I'm getting the base gasket for free and I can keep the spare head gasket. Wish I had seen the auction before, would have went that route. Thanks.

 

[xschris]

Before I had an ebay account I would get everything from yamaha. I have saved so much money and hassle since

 

[Scorpio1963]

Thank you guys Im going to be needing it since I plan on doing work on the head of my engine.

 

[gaillarry]

Got a base gasket today off EBay. Noticed one side of the gasket has a slicone type of bead on it. Is this normal?

 

[bcware]

There is an oil feed through the right side I believe. I wouldn't say it is typical; it depends on the brand and makes sense.

 

[xschris]

Thats a dohc base gasket it wont work with a sohc bike.

 

[gaillarry]

My Maxim is a DOHC.

 

[xschris]

Than thats good then, You never said if you had a dohc or sohc You can add that to your signature so we all know when you are asking questions. A lot of people say they have an 82 but they made the dohc and sohc both that year

 

[gaillarry]

Just edited my signature with bike info.

Another question on the cylinder, the parts fiche shows an o-ring under one of the dowels. There wasn't one on my cylinder and there's no part number showing for it. Is it needed??

 

[bcware]

If yours is missing the engine was probably opened before. The aftermarket gasket kits I bought in the past all came with the o-rings. I would say yes, that it is necessary. There is probably a bit of pressure on that area from the oil feed to the top end. You may spring a leak sooner rather than later if you omit the o-ring.

http://www.cmsnl.com/yamaha-xs400j-maxim-1982_model8882/gasket-1l9_9043014131/

There are actually 2 used here.

OEM Number: 90430-14131

 

[gaillarry]

Thanks, just ordered 2.

 

[drewpy]

it doesn't go under, but around the dowel. Check there first

 

[gaillarry]

Both are missing???

 

[bcware]

The first time I put the top end back on my SOHC I forgot the oil feed o-rings. I am guessing it is easy to do haha. I had to pull it all apart a second time because of that. That is why I follow the manual closely when I work on the motor because sometimes memory fails