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Replacing cylinder head on my 82 xj650j

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by australopithepunx, Oct 26, 2011.

  1. australopithepunx

    australopithepunx New Member

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    I am contemplating replacing the cylinder head on my 82 xj650j.

    I removed the intake manifold boots and 6 out of 8 screws snapped off in the head. Rather than pay a machine shop big bucks I may just get a new cylinder head off of ebay. Does anyone know what xj cylinder heads would be compatible with this bike? I do know that it is a YICS model.

    Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
     
  2. RudieDelRude

    RudieDelRude Member

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    If it were me, ide probably just try and get the snapped bolts out myself. It's cheaper, and probably easier. Not to mention, what happens if you break a bolt off in the process of swapping the head? Get a new engine?
     
  3. australopithepunx

    australopithepunx New Member

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    The head is already off the bike. And a new head will run me round 100 bucks so its fairly reasonable. I will attempt to get the bolts out myself but I am preparing for the worst.
     
  4. SQLGuy

    SQLGuy Well-Known Member

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    Did you already get a quote from a machine shop?

    Anything else wrong with the current head?
     
  5. australopithepunx

    australopithepunx New Member

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    I have not got a quote from the machine shop but speaking with friends who have gotten similar work done, they say it could cost multiple hundreds of dollars. Nothing else appears wrong with the head.

    I may still be able to salvage the head but I am preparing for the worst. As part of the preparation for that cataclysm I would like to start shopping for a replacement. Anyone know which models/years/engine sizes will have compatible cylinder heads?
     
  6. Desinger_Mike

    Desinger_Mike Member

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    multiple hundreds of dollars?...wow did they get taken.
    You need to go to a DIFFERENT machine shop.

    You should be able to get a complete valve job for that!
     
  7. RudieDelRude

    RudieDelRude Member

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    Right... I've never had a machine shop remove a stuck bolt before but god damn does that sound steep
     
  8. australopithepunx

    australopithepunx New Member

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    Thanks for all the advice to take this to a machine shop. I will definitely look in to that as an option.

    But...if that doesn't work...

    Anyone know what cylinder heads are compatible with the bike?
     
  9. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    YICS-motored 650s were the same, '82, '83 (and not in the States) '84.

    The YICS 750 heads may be similar (same head gasket,) but the cams may be different, I can't say for sure.

    And I have to agree with the above comments; take it to a machine shop (or two) and ask them yourself. Don't listen to a bunch of anecdotal evidence.
     

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