engine gasket replace

650gts

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I have a low mile '78 that runs pretty good.
The gaskets are original and a little leaky. I want to go through and replace with a kit.

What would be the best resource for me to look at for this?
Thanks
 
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I like gggGary's suggestion to torque head and inspect or replace the clutch push rod seal before opening up a good running engine.

Maybe I'm a bit on the lazy side, well not just a bit!, but if it was mine I just ride it and wash it when it got looking a little messy. Might be my age but if I was feeling good enough to ride I'd rather ride than wrench!

If you really want to be wrenching on something find a second bike to work on. Then once that one is in perfect shape ride that while fixing the first one!
 
Mailman; don't you have typical gasket, seal replacement rounded up into a thread somewhere?
In general kits are not the way to go, at least for what you have in mind here.
 
Mailman; don't you have typical gasket, seal replacement rounded up into a thread somewhere?
I think these are the seal threads you are thinking of.
http://www.xs650.com/threads/replac...2590/e-seals-part-one-the-shifter-seal.52589/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/engine-seal-replacement-part-3-crankshaft-seal-driveshaft-seal.52591/

In general kits are not the way to go, at least for what you have in mind here.
I respectfully disagree with that. If he's going to keep the bike for the long term it's the way to go. If you have the kits you should have whatever you need. Spare parts are a good thing. Nothing worse than realizing you forgot to order something after you've tore the bike apart.:doh:
:twocents:
 
I think these are the seal threads you are thinking of.
http://www.xs650.com/threads/replac...2590/e-seals-part-one-the-shifter-seal.52589/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/engine-seal-replacement-part-3-crankshaft-seal-driveshaft-seal.52591/


I respectfully disagree with that. If he's going to keep the bike for the long term it's the way to go. If you have the kits you should have whatever you need. Spare parts are a good thing. Nothing worse than realizing you forgot to order something after you've tore the bike apart.:doh:
:twocents:

Well if he's going to open a motor a complete motor overhaul gasket seal set.... isn't a bad idea, but often the threads above cover more than 80%? of typical leaks.
 
If you want the best, get a copy of Hans Pahl's The Yamaha XS650 Engine. It contains detailed directions for takedown and assembly, and describes systems and defects to look for, all logically organized and supported by clean color photos. You get what you pay for, and at $32 from Amazon, the book is a bargain.
 
As far as factory manuals go, not every year and model got it's own full manual. Full manuals only came out every few years and small "supplements", maybe 10 to 20 page publications, were put out to cover the in between years and models. These were made to be used along with the last full manual and only list any differences or changes in the newer model. You're in luck that '78 happens to be a year that a new full manual came out. But, it covers the Standard model so you will need the Special model supplement along with it. Luckily, many of the supplements are included in the publications. Here's one to watch. It is the full '78 E manual and includes supplements for the '79 and '80 models. It should also have your '78 SE supplement in there .....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-YA...613319?hash=item4da5c4b307:g:rRcAAOSwDYZeLLwQ
 
That's the manual I have. Right now there's no bids with 2 days left. You could bid 13 bucks and with the 3 bucks shipping, that would be a smoking deal!!
 
I think this is one of the best manuals to get, the '78 full manual with supplements up to at least the 1980 models. 1980 was a big change year for the 650. It got different carbs, electronic ignition, and several charging system changes. A manual like this will cover all this plus the earlier versions.
 
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