broken engine!! :(

well it happened just like bigfitz said it could, fortunately it wasnt anything that i actually did wrong but just a freak accident. while replacing the valve shims, i kept forgetting where i put the tools i was using, so i laid a shop rag over the bike to put the tools on, as i did this i somehow crossed fuses and the bike engines turned over (the keys wasnt even in it!) for the split second that it turned over i heard a crack and something go flying the thing that went flying was the shim removing tool attached to a piece of my engine! as i realized what had happened i started screaming in disbelief and crying :cry: ... i was so close, SO CLOSE!! to having the bike running! and now this, i have no idea what to do now, im sure a new engine head is not cheap and im sure i cant afford it no matter what the price. my whole dream just shattered along with my engine. i really needed this bike to be running and soon and now this... so now im not sure if i should try and find a replacement part or just part the bike out and hope that i can get enough for it to buy another one? this is just now the worst day ever. is this piece even replaceable? or would i have to take every thing part?! or replace the entire engine? im looking for some sorta ray of hope here but im just not seeing it....

 

OUCH!!!!!!!! Sorry to hear that it broke. Either you can find a new head OR you can pull it and have it welded. I've had it done before aloooooong time ago.

 

You'll need to find another cylinder head; or another engine. Either way, it won't be quick, cheap or easy. But it is totally do-able.

This is why it's important to disconnect the battery when doing any work on the bike that involves disassembly. Even if it seems unrelated.

I realize that's no consolation at this point; hopefully it's a lesson for other owners who are getting started doing their own work. If it's any help, don't feel too bad; you're the second member in a month that's broken his cylinder head with the valve adjustment tool.

 

man that sucks. I thought my situation was bad.. Spent all winter restoring my bike. I just put new tires, new paint job, new hard saddles bags on my bike. Then the engine let loose the first day I rode it. I to am looking for motor.

 

Here is a head for a good price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-Yamaha-Max ... 6f&vxp=mtr

I have never disconnected the battery when working on the bike. I think I will start doing that now.

 

Yet another reason why I prefer the Zip Tie method instead of that lousy tool.....

Try JB weld and Duct Tape. If anything can fix it, they will

 

fitz maybe your should edit your write up on shims and put a warning in there to disconnect the battery. (even though yes it should be obvious and i dont know why i didnt do it as i normally do)

ok now i need a nod of approval on this ebay listing.... does it look okay? its a lot cheaper than i expected so im thinking about buying it... what do you think? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-Yamaha-Max ... 6f&vxp=mtr

 

Damn, what a bummer! Sorry, man!

Looks like that ebay listing already ended.. maybe this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-Yamaha-XJ5 ... 5075wt_746

Hit me up if ya' need a hand with anything.

 

Hell, yeah. Do it.
You can have the valves ground while it's off and get your valves all shimmed up before you install it, have it media-blasted with walnut shells, replace guides and seals while you're at it. You will be in better shape than you were last night.

 

it ended because i bought it, lol . now how do i get this beast off there, aka how do i get the chain off?

 

Not to mention you will have a bunch of spare parts such as valves, shims, springs, cams........

 

Good on you!

 

THAT ONE! (The second one.) http://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-Yamaha-XJ5 ... 4118wt_928 It comes with the camshafts (a concern when shopping for a used head.)

I've found that pre-owned heads often go for cheap. I got my spare, with camshafts, cam chain tensioner bits AND valve cover for $10+ shipping.

You want to try to find one complete with cams; so you don't have to worry about journal bearing clearances.

 

AHEM.

Got your manual yet? You DON'T "get the chain off." It stays behind, and hopefully stays engaged with the crankshaft. The sprockets come off the cams which then slip out, leaving the chain in place.

There is a lot more to it than I've described. DO NOT try to pull the head without benefit of a service manual.

 

Shame you're on the other side of the pond or you could have had one of my spare ones.

 

ok chain stays got it, ill give my manual a read through (why didnt i think of that...)

 

OK so i did it! the head is off! all in all it wasn't that bad. i wish i didn't have to do it in the first place but well.... yah.

here is it with the head off.

and here it is next to my exhaust on the garage floor. my finger is pointing the the piece that broke off.


now i plan on ordering a new gasket, and all. new hardware. is there anything that i can do in the mean time to kinda clean up this area, as i does need some cleaning. there seems to be a bit of build up on the piston heads, what the best way to remove it, with out being to invasive?

 

WHERE IS THE CAM CHAIN? It should be sticking up out of the crankcase, hanging from something...

The BEST way to clean up the tops of the pistons, etc., is with your shop vac. That way you're not breaking loose a bunch of crud to get into the gaps between the pistons and the cylinder walls.

TIP*** Stuff a rag into the cam chain gallery so a stray nut or bolt doesn't end up down in the motor.***

You'll want new valve stem seals too; and take the "new" head somewhere to have the valves lapped, the "flatness" checked, and the new seals installed.

I'll be adding a line or two to the valve clearance "how to."

 

the chain is there its kinda flopped over the front of the motor, it blends in with the frame.

and i will definitely put a rag in there thank for the tip!