82' XT550 and if I need to pull the motor to fix the cylinder O-ring.
 

I, (well, my father) has a 82 XT550 and the cylinder base gasket O-ring is leaking. I was wondering if it is possible to just pull the head/cylinder body and not have to pull the whole motor out of the bike? Being as the frame in part of the oil sump my dad just wants to know if he can get away with it or if the frame will prevent us from getting off the head/cylinder.

Thank you for any help.

Why Not..?
 

I don't see why not. There shouldn't be any need to tale out the whole engine. I replaced piston rings for an '03 XT600 without taking out the engine.

It can be a bit tricky removing the top head bolts as it's fiddly to get the tools around the frame. I'm sure if you remove the top engine/frame attachment bolts then it'll go a lot easier.

Have fun!

I personally have taken the rocker arms cover off my ’83 xt550’s head with the engine in the frame. It is tight but it can be done.


I have not taken off the head itself or the cylinder (engine in frame), but it is my understanding it can be done. You could try some searching on thumpertalk .com or advrider .com

Thanks Geoffshing and G600, I will check those other sites.

Been here before...... the biggest problem is getting the valve cover to clear the cam sprocket when removing......not much clearance above the motor.

It may seem like a hassle, but if have a floor jack & 2 jack-stands..... dropping the motor out of the frame is really piece of cake!..... plus, having the motor on a bench held by a vice, is a world better on the back!:thumbup1:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...Rebuild006.jpg

I Figured, I keep telling him to just pull the motor (its not like he isn't capable, he is a master mechanic at a BMW dealership) he just wants to take the "easy" way out.

XT550 Service Manual - Index of /josip/manuali/yamaha/xt550 (Long download be patient).

Then start off with the engine in place and, if need be, drop it out later?

FWIW, I got that gasket changed on a TTR600 with the engine in the frame.
It was tight and the engine was loosed off at the front fixing (from memory) but it worked OK for me and I hadn't done one before!!