XR600R Cylinder head removal

[xrcraig]

Hi,

Very new to forum so hello. I have just bought a 1998 XR600R (unfinished project). Do I need to remove the engine from frame to remove the head or can it be removed with engine in situ?

Thanks

Craig

[StumpyFingers]

Firstly, Welcome to the forum.
I am not up on the XR but it would depend on the amount of room you have between the top of the engine and the frame.
I would remove the engine just to make the job easier.

[mad4it028]

im not 100% sure but i beleave you can
1 remove carb
2 undo rocker box and wiggle back towards the carb
with rocker box removed you now have plenty of room

[xrcraig]

Hi - thanks. Looks like there is a recess in rocker cover to allow it to be removed. Looks tight though and Haynes manual says to remove engine. Anyone actually taken the head off in situ?

Craig

[Zipper]

Remove carb and carb boot...slide the valve cover backwards to qhere the carb was....reverse it to install...its the only way if you do not want to remove the engine from frame....i have done it this weekend....and many other times too

[xrcraig]

Thanks - will give it a try over the course of next week.

Another stupid question - do I need to drain oil if taking head off? Normally wouldn't but just a bit confused about the level on dipstick in frame.

Thks
Craig

[Zipper]

Yes, you can do it without draining the oil..
Lay the bike on the floor during the night on its right side , so that the oil on the head flows down to crankcase through the cam chain tunnel...
That way you will not have so much oil on the head while disassembling...
Good luck!!

[xrcraig]

Another question. Is it possible to get the timing chain back on to the bottom sprocket without removing the Right hand crankcase cover? Tried to keep tension on it when I removed cam but it has come loose at the bottom.

Thanks Craig

[catteeclan]

Should do, trial and error though.

[xrcraig]

Thanks - managed to hook it back on.

Can anyone spot what's missing in this pic?

Craig Lewis's Photos | Facebook

I have to admit - it took me a while.