83 xj750 top end removal

I've searched this forum up and down trying to find an answer, but without success. I have an oil leak in the front between the cylinder and crankcase so I will be removing the top end. Is there enough clearance to pull the head and cylinder off without pulling the engine out. The service manual doesn't specify. Also would appreciate any tips tricks or advice for doing this job. Thanks in advance

 

Moose-my Haynes manual says it can be done with motor in. Always wondered if this is correct. Never done it. Thats all I know.

 

Figured so but was unsure. Really looking forward to ripping into it. Excited yet intimidated. Hopefully it goes smoothly. My biggest concern is getting it back together correctly. Luckily there are all kinds of knowledgeable and helpful people on this site that don't mind helping inexperienced people like me. Thank God for xjbikes.com. if I wasn't the biggest procrastinator in the world I would've done this over the winter instead of waiting til its nice enough to ride. Story of my life!

 

Yes.

The only advice I would give you is to make 100% certain sure it isn't leaking elsewhere and "migrating." My 550 had me absolutely convinced I had a base gasket leak and it turned out to be the cam chain tensioner body gasket leaking and "feeding" oil into the seam between the cylinder and crankcase which then migrated all the way around the motor.

 

Yes I read that before somewhere else on here Fitz and am glad you brought it up. I was just looking over the engine now that everything is off around it and it looks like it could possibly be coming from the valve cover but am not 100% sure. Its pretty gunked up there near the center. I'll have to clean it up more and look closer when I have more time. Originally it was just weeping a little and I'd occasionally have to wipe a little from the cylinder on the left side. But now its so bad I won't even ride it for fear of wrecking. It'd be nice if its leaking somewhere else cuz I'd rather not have to take the cylinder off. Fingers are crossed!

 

Oh yeah I also noticed on the back of the cylinder it looks like there's something mounted to it. It just has a bolt in the center of it. Just curious what it is. Uploaded a pic of it in my gallery. Sorry couldn't put in the post but I'm using my phone so...

 

Umm... you mean the cam chain tensioner, the thing I was referring to?

Do you have a service manual?

I'm kinda concerned that you were ready to pull the head AND cylinders, along with all that entails, and you don't know where/what the cam chain tensioner is. Granted, it's automatic on your bike; but you'll need a whole lot more basic familiarization before attempting anything as radical as pulling the top end apart.

Track down a book.

 

Yes I have a manual and have been thoroughly reading it as well as combing thru this forum. I also have someone a little more knowledgeable that will be helping. I may not know all the technical terms or name of every part on my bike but I am mechanically inclined and have some common sense so I think I'm capable of learning how to work on it. I feel that if I pay attention to what I'm doing and stay organized I'll be fine. Besides there's always a first time for everything. BTW thanks Fitz now I know where the cam chain tensioner is. Learn something new every day.