Deciding how much to do.

[MaximX]

I am having the head done on my bike, a 1985 Maxim X.  It has been suggested to me that I get new valve guide seals.  I have no oil loss that I know of, bike has about 70,000kms on it.  What is your experience with older bikes?  Feel free to advise on your experiences.  I will do it if I should, but it does ad up replacing stuff like this.  Yamaha quoted $12. per seal...even at $4.31 US (what I found on line) it would be another $86.20 US.

Mike

[Dennis]

I am having the head done on my bike, a 1985 Maxim X.  It has been suggested to me that I get new valve guide seals.  I have no oil loss that I know of, bike has about 70,000kms on it.  What is your experience with older bikes?  Feel free to advise on your experiences.  I will do it if I should, but it does ad up replacing stuff like this.  Yamaha quoted $12. per seal...even at $4.31 US (what I found on line) it would be another $86.20 US.

Mike

At 70K Kms, and your head is off anyways, I wouldn't miss the opportunity.  Replace the seals.

Peace & Grease, Dennis

[Hans]

What Dennis said.  You are there anyway. They are an easy item to replace when the head is all apart anyway.  There is a possibility of damaging an old seal when you put the valves back in because they do lose their pliability after a while due to heat and just plain old age.

[MaximX]

Yeah you guys are right.

[fast1]

  Also you are going to want to re-seat your valves neccessitating removal of the seals. When removing the valves get a styro block and pre hole and mark it to keep your valves in order, then seat one at a time. CHEERS.

[madmac74]

 All good suggestions... And I would wholeheartedly agree also. Further to what fast1 said,  maybe try an egg carton , so you can also put the shims in with them.  that's a 5 valve head , right , Mike? might have to get two Egg cartons then.

Parker

[MaximX]

Oh I have something better than egg cartons, got them at the dollar store if I remember correctly....did this sort of thing 2 years ago....Yes 20 valves.  And here is a bit of trivia, of the 3 intake valves, the one in the center is different from the other 2, same size but marked different.....

[madmac74]

 Ah yes, thats right( intake valves). Well happy wrenching Mike!

MAC

[fast1]

   If you look closely at a Genesis head you will notice the intake valves form sort of an umbrella shape--my guess is that the center valve has a shorter stem length. Let me know when you get the head off and I'll come take a look. Also have a vintage GM Motorsports jacket for you if ya want it. Go nice with the Camaro. CHEERS.

[MaximX]

HI Fast, the head is off and I am having my friends at CARS do it for me....I want it done right this time...my only concern is my ability to shim it right once I get it back...I am not close to doing it yet, still have to order parts from the states....Yamaha is over double to almost 4x on some parts I can get south of the border....Yeah a jacket sounds good, will get it from you sometime....and this year you gotta make time to go for a ride with me.  I am in the process of making the camaro true dual exhaust on the cheap, haha.  I don't think anyone will have a catback like the one I am making....redneck NASCAR style.