head gasket replacement

Is there a how-to on replacing the head gasket anywhere for an 81 xj650 maxim? So far I haven't been able to find much. I've got a small oil leak from it, but it isn't affecting compression yet so I'm not in a big hurry. I would like to be able to familiarize myself with the process a little bit before I get into it though. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you

 

Are you sure it's coming from the head?

 

Before youtear into the head, clean the engine. Then look at the valve cover gasket after a ride. I'll bet that you find the leak is coming from there. There are drain wells for water that will let any leaks from the valve cover drip down and look like the head gasket is leaking.

 

you need a service manual.

PS. K-moe is probably right too

 

If it IS the head gasket, sometimes just re-torquing the head will fix it.

 

Yes I'm sure its the head. I had read on another thread that it is pretty common for it to look like the head gasket is leaking when it is really the valve cover gasket so I changed my valve cover gasket, but that didn't take care of my leak. I've ordered a Haynes manual for it but I don't have it yet. It has been my experience that forums usually have some tips that aren't in the manuals so I thought I would give this a shot. I will also try re-torquing the head. It's worth a shot anyway since the gasket hasn't gotten so bad its losing compression yet. Thanks

 

Ok so before you go and retourque the head (which the bolts might break) ...

My bike has gasket all over the top of the valve cover (on each bolt) maybe yours does to... Even with a new valve cover gasket they WILL sill leak...???

Where do you see oil.???

 

Did you also replace the rubber "doughnut" washers on the valve cover bolts? Those are what actually keeps the gasket oil tight.

 

I think to re-torque properly don't you need to back the nut out a fraction and then re-torque to spec?

 

I think to re-torque properly don't you need to back the nut out a fraction and then re-torque to spec?

 

yep, that's how to do it

 

My bike doesn't have the doughnut gaskets on the valve cover bolts. I don't think the 81's had them. I believe they started that in 82 but i'm not sure. So backing the head bolts out are we talking like a half turn or what before re-torquing?

 

Yes.

And you are correct about the valve cover hold-down bolts; the "donuts" for the valve cover bolts are only on the YICS motors.

Something else to keep in mind: a leak at the cam chain tensioner body-to-cylinder gasket can and will migrate all the way around to the front of the motor and make you think you have a head or base gasket leak when in fact those items are fine.

Also be aware that the washers under the two RIGHT HAND outer head cap nuts are brass sealing washers; the oil to the head runs up through those two bolt galleries. If they start leaking after the re-torque, you'll need to replace them and do the re-torque sequence again.

 

I didn't pay attention to the model year...oops.