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Help: Replacing a gasket
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Posted by: HartaMan---------------------
My WR400 98' is overheating, and after going through the posts, I have a feeling it's a blown head gasket. anyway, I'm not sure if I should try and replace it myself or take it to the shop. I've done some stuff on my kdx 92' (replaced a piston and steering bearings) but I'm told the WR is a whole diffrent story.
Posted by: Rich Rohrich---------------------
If you are comfortable with four-strokes then the WR is pretty straight forward, if not then it can be a handful. In addition to the basic hand tools you'll need an inch pound torque wrench for the cam shaft retaining caps, as well as a standard ft/lb torque wrench for the head bolts. Not everyone has the smaller torque wrench but it's fairly important on this engine.
For most people it's probably worth taking it to a shop unless you really want to learn how to do it. The Yamaha service manual has enough information to get you through it if you work slowly and carefully. Good luck. :thumb:
Posted by: HartaMan---------------------
I have a claymer manual that seems very good, taking it to shop will cost me about $750 around here... so I think I'll buy the wrench.
Posted by: Rich Rohrich---------------------
For $750 it's worth learning how to do it yourself.
Posted by: HartaMan---------------------
I just spoke to the shop, they say blown head gaskets are rare on these bikes, is it true ?, maybe I'm way off and somthing else is wrong ? how do I tell, should I just open it and look? (they said the water pump tends to leak, and thats probably the problem). thanks for the attn.
Posted by: Rich Rohrich---------------------
Head gasket leaks aren't rare but before you open it up you should check a few things. The 98 WR had problems with the water pump shaft wearing and causing the seal to leak. The 99 shaft and seal can be used to replace it and cure the problem. You'll also want to check that there isn't air in the cooling system. Air can cause it to overheat fairly easily. Check to make sure the water is circulating properly in the radiator and check to see that the radiator cap is functional.
Posted by: HartaMan---------------------
you were right. it was the water pump seal, but I as I was closing the shaft, it tore into two, and now I have to wait for two weeks till the bring the piece from the states, not to mention the extra $50 
, but I'm happy I went at it myself in the end, because I feel I'll never learn any other way 
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