Changing the head gasket?

[BrianWrightR6]

I am going to change the head gasket on my 400 this weekend, it is leaking a little oil around it, just asking you all if you have any pointers or any thing to watch out for when I do this?

http://www.lostbob.com/Uploads/400EX 012re.jpg

[redrider ex]

that you are going to have to reset the timing right and do you know how?

[VegasEx'r]

FWIW I have been told by a couple of Honda dealers that when there is oil leaking from the head gasket are, it is usually a sign of the head studs being stretched so that it doesn't torque down enough to get a good seal. If that is the case, then changing the gasket may not fix the problem.

Like redrider said, get the timing right & don't let the cam chain drop down into the case. Use a torque wrench.

[DarkStarRacing]

sick quad what year is it ?

[BrianWrightR6]

It is a 2001. It is not the entire head but just the head cover. I should not have to mess with the timing any just take the cover off and put a new gasket down, I have heard that the bolts may be stretched also and I bought some new ones also. I tried to torque one down and rang the head of it off. I hope it does not give me allot of trouble. Thanks for the info.

[440exnacsracer]

just get some silicon gasket maker. i have three bolts broke off on that top part, and at first it leaked. put some gasket maker on it and it dont leak now. i need to fix them. lata