Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Screwed up Screwed up
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 145
Screwed up




Wanted to remove a dowl pin so used my vice grip to rotate it lose. Well apparently a hard, sharp edge of the vice grip was touching the head surface and it produced quite a scratch. Possible the worst location to do this

How screwed am I? I just re-did the entire head, lapsed the valves etc.

Maybe the head gasket + a little gasket sealant will prevent a leak?
Won't be able to do a pressure test for a while...

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
If you wanted to be super cautious you could get it skimmed but I would put it back together using just the head gasket and see what happens, you will be surprised at what you can get away with sometimes.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 May 2019
dzl dzl is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: South Australia
Posts: 85
I did similar on the face between head/ rocker cover although was deeper than yours. Used some JB weld to fill gouge and has been ok and sealing well. I would clean any protrusions with a smooth file. Maybe some JB weld if it is deep enough but it does look very shallow. The gouge looks deepest where it doesnt really matter anyway?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 145
Quote:
Originally Posted by dzl View Post
I did similar on the face between head/ rocker cover although was deeper than yours. Used some JB weld to fill gouge and has been ok and sealing well. I would clean any protrusions with a smooth file. Maybe some JB weld if it is deep enough but it does look very shallow. The gouge looks deepest where it doesnt really matter anyway?
Except, unlike the head/rocker, the part where I scratched is the barrel/head which is responsible for keeping all piston compression .

My only luck is that it isn't all the way till the end, but only just. Won't know until engine is in the bike and I can do a compression test.
Don't think it's deep enough for JB weld but there's definitely a small groove that is very noticeable with the finger.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 607
the only sealant that can be used in the head is cooper paste/spray,


dont even think about silicons or anaerobic sealant, nothing will stand the heat


but cant see the problem to remove the valves and do a minimal skim, just note down where each valve is.... not costly either.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 145
Quote:
Originally Posted by turboguzzi View Post
the only sealant that can be used in the head is cooper paste/spray,


dont even think about silicons or anaerobic sealant, nothing will stand the heat


but cant see the problem to remove the valves and do a minimal skim, just note down where each valve is.... not costly either.
Sealant I have is rated up to 250c.
All my local garages have waiting times unfortunately, and it will definitely be 30min-1hour so at least €50.
I think I'm gonna try my luck.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 607
disagree with using sealant, even 250 C sealant, but it's your bike at the end
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 145
Quote:
Originally Posted by turboguzzi View Post
disagree with using sealant, even 250 C sealant, but it's your bike at the end
Obviously I'm not replacing the OEM gasket with sealant. This is the idea:







Looking at the last pic, I think it will be fine?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 607
of course I didnt think you'd omit the gasket.... still, would not put that blue stuff,
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 145
Quote:
Originally Posted by turboguzzi View Post
of course I didnt think you'd omit the gasket.... still, would not put that blue stuff,
Hm.. you think it will do more harm than good?

Not sure how copper grease would help.

JB weld? If possible with this size... Or just try it with OEM gasket only?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 May 2019
Bobmech's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BOP , New Zealand
Posts: 185
IMO based on what you say [ a small groove that is very noticeable with the finger.] which runs through the flame ring part of the head gasket, I think it should be machined/skimmed.

Bob
__________________
Remember that Assumption is the mother of all f**k-ups.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 607
copper paste is essentially fine metal particles suspended in grease. when it is pressed the little particles fill small gaps and the grease evaporates with temp. that's the only thing ill ever use in a head gasket, otherwise I go dry.



it's an odd situation, hard to predict, maybe all will be good without adding anything maybe not.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 21 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 145
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobmech View Post
IMO based on what you say [ a small groove that is very noticeable with the finger.] which runs through the flame ring part of the head gasket, I think it should be machined/skimmed.

Bob
Well like I said my only luck is that it doesn't go all the way to the edge, so from the inside of the cylinder you don't see anything and in theory it should seal.
I'm just afraid that the gasket will start warping or failing at this spot or something.
I think i'll just do a compression test when the engine is together and hope for the best...
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 Apr 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 145
So today I decided to do a compression test (finally got a 12mm adapter one) to know once and for all how much I screwed up.
Result:
135 PSI cold
145 PSI warm

New from factory: 154 PSI

What do guys think? Is it good enough? Engine is running fine so far.
I never tested this engine/head so it might be because something else.. e.g. my valve-lapping skills.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 7 Apr 2020
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,304
It's fine! the numbers are reasonably good, and I assume there's no sign of a leak or hot gasses coming out at the point where the scratch is, so don't worry about it, be happy.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Help! Canadian selling a motorcycle in Ecuador without getting screwed at customs? edschlag South America 4 17 May 2017 22:28
Am I screwed in Thailand? Hemuli SE Asia 21 9 May 2016 12:45
takin a bike out of uk longterm oldagebiker Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 2 21 Feb 2013 15:14
The Mayan Calendar and 2012 xfiltrate The HUBB PUB 30 10 Jun 2012 17:52

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:59.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top