Engine Identification

This is on a uK ebay listing, even the seller isn't sure what it's from. It has the look and shape of
an 80s XJ/YX/FZ 550/600 but its's water cooled - also has YICS on teh valve cover?! I checked some pics of
FZR engines and they seem more inclined/canted and have different clutch covers. I might buy it for a fun
XJ project as I have a spare frame wheels tank...

 

I do see the YICS passage below the intake ports.

 

Not an XJ---

 

Another clue is that it says 'Magnesium' also on the valve cover.. I've asked for the engine number..

 

Indeed, but there's no question in my mind taht teh bottom end is XJ550/FJ600 and yet I have never before see a water cooled top end on this set-up. I add another pic for your delectation. There includes parts of a what looks like an FZ600 frame - but they were air-cooled

 

OK in 1986 Yamaha produced an FZR400 with liquid cooling.. A possible?

 

I think you''re correct.

 

doesn't look like the pictures I get when I search that engine though.... The alternator cover looks like the X cover......

I'm wondering if it could be a water jet/jet ski or maybe a four-wheeler engine?

 

+1.

Gary H.

 

Could be a put-together engine.

 

You're right I see that too. BUT the FZR400 engine appears to change mid-eighties to EXUP valve type and I'm wondering if this is a very early one for which there are few on-line pics. USA and probably EU didn't get the early one so I'm guessing an import (Japs like their 400s right ?) Note also theres some bike frame hanging off it in pic2

 

Scrub that - I just downloaded a service manual and the 86 motor is 16 valve and canted cylinders and down-draft carbs. The mystery continues..

 

OK I think I found it..

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_xj400z 84.htm

Never a clue such a machine existed though..

 

That appears to be the correct engine, but the frame piece still doesn't match-- all the pics are still round frames if I'm seeing correctly

 

Maybe that bit of frame is a red herring, all the pics I find of XJ40oZ have round tube frames and the frame mounts at front lower of engine are bolted to the frame not welded to it. The engine itself sure looks like 400Z. Another 2c worth

 

Further research reveal the motor also used on the 84 model year FZ400R (faired) and FZ400n (naked) so I guess that explains the frame too, see..
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_fz400n 84.htm
Even so pretty damn rare I reckon.

 

Ahhh the wonders of the google machine that's gotta be it then, what are you gunna do now ....... my SRX has that type of bolt on frame section coz the engine is such a tight fit, makes it very narrow overall.

 

Ah-HA!! There it is!