XS650 Brat Build Ep 15, How to Replace Cam Seals

In this video I change the oil filters and take you through step by step, how to replace cam seals.

[@mldiode]

Just did this seal today. You don’t have to disassemble the advance mechanism. Just loosen up the castle nut behind the whole mechanism after you remove the two keeper pins. The advance unit comes off as a whole. The three Philips head screws that hold the back cup with the seal I had to tap loose with an impact tool. Used that to snug back on. Nothing like Hercules but good n snug.

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks man. I have become a lot more familiar with these engines since this video. Turns out this leak wasn't even the seal, it was getting through the gasket behind the cup somehow.

[@LuKeWaRmLuKe97]

Having trouble reinstalling advance… specifically the directions of the locating pins of both the advance rod and cam and how to orientate them. Love the content!

[@2wheelworkshop]

The pin in the cam only allows the advance plate to mount in one orientation(there is a little slot in the back of the plate). Once that is done and the nut is tightened down the "advance button" (don't know if that is the right name) goes on the advance rod and is located by the pin. There is an arrow on the button which points in the direction of rotation. Don't worry about orientation of the advance rod as it will spin freely inside the cam and you can rotate it anywhere you need to in order to locate the advance weights.

[@2wheelworkshop]

I show the procedure in my top end rebuild video but the light wasn't great.

[@mjplache]

Hey Brodie, thanks for posting this series. You've inspired me! - Matt in New Hampshire

[@mldiode]

Thanks for the informative video. I just did my cam seal, gasket and O ring on the ignition side. All seems well…

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks mate. I really appreciate the feedback.

[@rcnelson]

Very helpful video. My XS leaks oil from the left cam seal like a sieve, so with fingers crossed I'm going to give seal replacement a try.

[@2wheelworkshop]

Good luck mate. I would also replace the o ring and gasket for the points housing as well.

[@modrarua4594]

Did you find any problem with the ignition timing because of the oil leak? I have a similar oil leak and I'm of the opinion that the oil causes a short circuit in the points back plate. Did you experience this?

[@Ginchey]

Hey Brodie! Thanks for making this content, I'm rebuilding my own 1980 XS650 in the same style as you. Can you include a list of items that you use in your videos so I can find them easily? This is my first bike build and I'd love some more info on how you're getting your supplies. Thanks again for the content!

[@davidrayner9832]

Seals and bearings. The wheel bearings and their seals and cam bearings and their seals are industry standard and available from any bearing supplier. Two of the four transmission bearings are industry standard and available from any bearing supplier. The steering ball bearings are industry standard and available from any bearing supplier but if you convert to tapered rollers they are a specialty part and only available from All Balls, Geoff's XS, etc. The crank's main bearings and big end bearings, the other two transmission bearings, and the three seals on the LH side of the engine are Yamaparts - not industry standard and only available from Yamaha or aftermarket suppliers.

[@2wheelworkshop]

I rebuilt this engine a few months after this video and replaced almost everything you have mentioned here. The crank bearings are pricey.

[@davidrayner9832]

@@2wheelworkshop That's built-up cranks for you. Imagine doing a Kawasaki 900 or a Suzuki GS-1000. A plain crank would require just grinding of the journals and OS shells.

[@adamkleinherenbrink4302]

Hey man, great build series so far, quick question, do you ever use a torque wrench when tightening critical items, so they are to spec? I haven't seen a torque wrench yet, but perhaps you are doing this off cam or are going to do it at the end... or do you just have enough experience that you know by feel, what is required/enough?

[@kanedaws5742]

Hey Brodie, thinking of taking on a similar project but have limited experience! From your series so far you seem to look like you’re pretty comfortable, how much experience have you had with this sorta thing in the past? Your content is great, keep it up.

[@kanedaws5742]

Thanks for the reply mate, good to know, looking forward to your next vid! 👍🏼

[@coconut-ve4zm]

I can’t get the housing to sit flush with the engine… even with the housing without any gasket, the two surfaces do not meet, making the paper gasket completely useless… Is that normal?

[@coconut-ve4zm]

I wonder if the camshaft’s bearings are too far out? If that is the case, do you think I have to remove the top end cover to adjust? Or could I just tap them deeper somehow?

[@alwood9148]

3yrs since u posted about the xs ,is it sold or?

[@2wheelworkshop]

Still got it. Got big plans in the works (CBR 954 front end, 277 rephase, m unit instal ect). Got most of the parts collected. Just being slack now.

[@alwood9148]

u have parts ready thats not slack lol other things need attention bikes are just for fun but make up most of my days with 8 of em to play with , rephase will be interesting,

[@maclagat3865]

Can we get a link to the seals and o rings used?

[@2wheelworkshop]

www.geoffsxs.com.au/OpenCart/index.php?route=product/product&path=3_21&product_id=19

[@maclagat3865]

What about o rings? 😅

[@2wheelworkshop]

Same website. If there is ever anything you can't find on there, just give him a call. He will have it.