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To change head gasket or not, XJ550

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by paulyc, Nov 24, 2016.

  1. paulyc

    paulyc New Member

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    Hi guys,

    Brand new here, and new to building bikes, I have an old XJ550 I'm slowly turning into a brat/cafe.

    Quick question, I performed a compression test before pulling the engine out, all cylinders around 140 PSI.

    My question is, while I have the engine out, and having a full gasket kit handy, should I swap out the head gasket anyway or leave it all alone based on the okay compression?
    I think I might be creating more work than I need but I'm tempted to change it seeing as the engine is already out and the gasket is at hand.

    Thanks in advance!

    Paul.
     
    paulyc, Nov 24, 2016
    #1
  2. mlew

    mlew Well-Known Member

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    Leave it alone.
    If there is nothing wrong why bother. If it needs it in the future the head can be removed with the engine in the bike.
     
    mlew, Nov 24, 2016
    #2
    Jetfixer likes this.
  3. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    +1. Head gaskets rarely fail. Leave it be so it can do its job.
     
    k-moe, Nov 24, 2016
    #3
  4. Kickaha

    Kickaha Active Member Premium Member

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    Don't bother fixing stuff that isn't broken
     
    Kickaha, Nov 24, 2016
    #4
  5. paulyc

    paulyc New Member

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    Thanks for taking the time to reply, I knew this would be the case but needed to hear it from others.... I do have a tendency to fix things that aren't broken.
     
    paulyc, Nov 24, 2016
    #5
  6. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    If it ain't broke......
     
    hogfiddles, Nov 24, 2016
    #6
  7. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    ...it will be eventually. ;)
     
    k-moe, Nov 24, 2016
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    hogfiddles likes this.

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