cracked head???

[Silver King]

Howdy y'all!

I found something suspect the other day while performing a valve adjustment.  There appears to be a small, hair line crack near the vertical, exhaust valve guide.  Here:



First, I should mention that the bike is a 2004 800ie with approx. 5,600 miles.  I put on the last 1,600 miles and have never noticed anything unusual as far as loss of power or smoke from the exhaust.  However, I did notice that the valve seal was completely split down one side.  Although I cannot say 100% that I damaged it, I was very careful loading the closer while checking. 

Anyhow, what should my next step be (besides finding a bottle of Scotch)?  Button 'er back up and do a compression test?  Leakdown test?  Duct tape?

Thanks in advance!   

...and BTW, installing a valve seal on the vertical exhaust side is absolute Hell. 

[ducpainter]

Me?

I'd put the valve cover back on and watch the oil consumption and plug on that cylinder.

The engineers here will tell you you're doomed.

[Howie]

Gotta agree with ducpainter, the alleged crack wasn't bothering you until you saw it.  Could be a crack, could be a casting flaw of no importance that was not machined out.

[Silver King]

Good point.  The plug looks fine other than being a tad lean.  I'll keep an eye on it though.
Thanks.

[mitt]

Me?

I'd put the valve cover back on and watch the oil consumption and plug on that cylinder.

The engineers here will tell you you're doomed.

No, we will say it should have been easier to install correctly     Seriously though, I agree - keep an eye on it, but that is it for now.


mitt