Just got the bike, leaking oil. Help Needed

Hy guys, Im new to these forums and I would first like to say "Hello".

NE Wayz,
I just baught a 1982 Maxim XJ550 with about 34k on it for $900. I have a oil leak on the top of the engin and im almost possitive thats its the head gasket. My question to you guys is:

How hard is it to pull off the top of the motor and change the gasket you're self? Or am I better off paying some shop a few hundred bucks to do it for me? If you think I would be better off doing it, were do I find parts for these bikes online? I can't find a decient site with 82 Maxim parts anywere.
I would be soo happy if you guys might be able to throw some knoledge my way.

Thanks,
Derek

PS: Here is a link to a short video i made of the bike to show ya what I'm working with.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 8663937915

 

Haven't pulled a motorcycle engine apart, but cars aren't too complicated.

Two fairly good sites for parts:
www.bikebandit.com and www.oldbikebarn.com

 

8O the bike has honda on the tank?????

is it the headgasket or valve cover?clean well and be sure its headgasket before you tear her apart.
not a bad job if you have a good manual,and are a bit mechanical,timeing the cams can be a bit tricky,but take your time recheck and double check yourself and you should be OK

 

Welcome Derek, I was caught by surprise to see the Honda tank on your bike also. lol

Valve cover gasket is no major problems, don't really need a manual on that one.

The head gasket I would suggest getting a manual prior to getting into it. However, assuming your mechanically inclined, with help from this site you could get it done by searching past topics and asking questions.

 

You'll have a good time wrenching on YAMAHA.

Most first-timer's marvel at Yamaha Engineering.

34,000 Miles.
Pull the head.
Decarbon; complete.
Lap valves
New valve seals
Sand and polish combustion chambers.
Sand and polish Piston crowns.

 

In addition to the Honda tank those are not stock Maxim bars.

Also, LH controls are way too far inboard - They need to be out by the grip so you can reach them with thumb with hand on grip.

Valve cover gasket is easy. Don't forget the seals that are on the valve cover bolts too. The bolts have a flange on them and bottom out against the head. The rubber on the seals compresses to hold the cover tight and as they degrade they loose their springiness.

 

I still cannot find a cheap source for those bolt bushings. The one that you require 8, are $8.24 a piece at bikebandit, and the other one that 4 are required are like $4-$5 each....

it's crazy.

 

LMAO The previous owner slaped Honda Emblems on the tank. It is the original tank... I have since moved the LH controles to the grip since that pic but I only use the choke every once and a wile. The bike has had the turn signals removed. The exhaust is after market as well, making it EXTREAMLY LOUD. Deff. a head turner here in Ohio.
I have named the bike "YamaHonda" due to it haveing Honda emblems on the tank.

I'm haveing trouble differentiating which gasket the leak is comming from now....I see the leak but I don't know which gasket I'm looking at. :?:
And I have no manual, :cry:

 

Intake, exhaust and spark plugs all go into the head. Leaking above them is valve cover. Below them is big job territory.

The 8 I got from Partsnmore for $2 each. The 4 I didn't do, those bolts don't have the flange anyhow.