Leaking at head or base, or both

[quad4life]

I am getting oil around the head and base gasket area. I want to replace the gaskets. What gaskets will I need to do this. Not planning to do any motor work at this time. Just want the leak to stop.

[drew416ex]

It may be coming from the valve cover, but If you want to go ahead and try to get them all, get a cometic top end gasket kit. It will come with all of the gaskets and its not expensive.

[leasureryan]

If you are tearing the top down to replace gaskets...I would atleast replace the rings and cam chain while you are in there. Maybe even the tensioner guide. Get the CRF450R timing chain, they are only $39 from Honda as opposed to $99 for the 400ex chain, and the CRF is heavy duty, and a much better chain!

Replace the head gasket with the XR 400 head gasket!

[quad4life]

Here is a crazy question. The bike has a .010 piston in it. Will any rings work, because I'm not sure what piston is in there, except that it is .010 over.

[leasureryan]

no not any rings will work I know Wiesco has thier own style rings, oem won't fit a Wiesco piston. You will have to find out what type piston it is, or take the rings to your dealer and see if they match a set of OEM's at .25mm over (1st over)

[quad4life]

Originally posted by leasureryan
no not any rings will work I know Wiesco has thier own style rings, oem won't fit a Wiesco piston. You will have to find out what type piston it is, or take the rings to your dealer and see if they match a set of OEM's at .25mm over (1st over)


I just looked at my specs form the guy I bought it from. It has a 12.1 .010 JE piston.