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Replace head gasket!

Discussion in 'The Garage' started by davey1207, Jun 4, 2013.

  1. davey1207

    davey1207 1981 Yamaha xs400 Special

    hey dudes. i haven't posted in a while because i've been out enjoying my build. this week i decided to finally take the engine out and replace the head gasket. its been leaking for quite a while and now it is so much that my bike is not running properly and i keep fouling spark plugs. plus i wanted to see her insides anyway. i'm posting a couple pics. first one is what she looked like last week. next is where i am stuck. i don't know how to pull the cam chain out. i didn't see a master link and before i got frustrated and broke something i wasn't supposed to i stopped for the night. this is my FIRST TIME doing serious engine work. any help or ideas of any of you guys would help me out. i've searched the forum but no one seems to say exactly HOW they got the chain off. just says its tricky or keep the tension when removing. anyway help is appreciated guys thanks!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Pork Chop

    Pork Chop XS400 Junkie

    I think you will find your answers on page 24 of the manual. I used an old shoe lace tied around the chain to stop from dropping it into the case.
     
  3. davey1207

    davey1207 1981 Yamaha xs400 Special

    Pork Chop I looked on page 24 and it isn't there. I am using the manual that I downloaded from this forum. Did you mean another manual?
     
  4. drewpy

    drewpy Excess twin Top Contributor

    you need to take the cam sprocket off and pull to the left side then there is enough slack to take the chain off.
    I use coat hanger wire to stop it from falling down the chain tunnel
     
  5. davey1207

    davey1207 1981 Yamaha xs400 Special

    Sick thanks drewps! Gonna try that next. Ill post pics and let you know how it goes
     
  6. davey1207

    davey1207 1981 Yamaha xs400 Special

    got it thanks again drewp!
     

    Attached Files:

  7. Pork Chop

    Pork Chop XS400 Junkie

    Well done. I recommend stuffing rags down the chain hole to stop wayward nuts and bolts falling into the case.
     
  8. davey1207

    davey1207 1981 Yamaha xs400 Special

    So tonight after work I'm planning on taking the rest of the head off. I was only able to loosen one bolt (there's 8 total duh)! I don't want to break them but is there an easy way to loosen them? I have the engine sitting on a couple 2x4's on top of a work stool. Any ideas?
     

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