cyl head gasket blown
 

So just got my second xt600 it,s 1vj and the head gasket is blowing.Just read its a known problem on the 1vj,s so any clues as to how to fix it?...go with oe gasket or aftermarket one or could there be other problems like warped cracked head ? I will pull it down in due course and have a look .Any info welcome...cheersbeer

Yep, thats a 1VJ alright!

Before you take the head off see if you can tighten the head bolts up any further, this will indicate if the bolts have pulled loose. If they are the original thread then helicoil them (put a couple of standard 8 mm, 1.5D inserts in each hole). However if they have pulled and there is already helicoils then you will have to have an insert made, see your local engine repair bloke. If you have a solid inser which has pulled you will need to have a bigger one made and fitted, but be careful as you can run out of 'meat'. I have had all of the above happen to me (but not in that order, there was a second barrel used) and I found an oil leak due to the barrel cracking.

If your bareel is stuffed and your head is pretty ordinary then consider replacing the barrel and head from a later model as suggested to me by Dave Lambeth.

Good luck, Dave

Cheers dblunn,I have a spare engine I am stripping at the moment so hopefully spares will not be a problem,got the price of an oe head gasket and it was 100 kiwi dollars so might look for a cheaper after market one.beer

Keny.. Always use Yamaha gaskets trust me! the aftermarket ones are BS! Put new Yamaha gasket. it will pay off!


Vando beer

Your right, I ll order the new one today as I think tightening the bolts up might do a bit more damage if I strip one...

The cost of the gaskets is the worst part of the job for sure. Also, use the good 3-Bond sealant on the tappet cover.
Dave

I have the yamaha sealant in a tube which I used on my last engine rebuild and seems to work ok....it was expansive though....must be good eh!