My local dealer wants $329+ parts to do the initial service on my 2006 Yamaha Kodiak 400. The price alone seems way high. When I asked them what was involved, among other things they said removing the head to inspect the valves. I'm not the handiest guy in the world, but this seems very odd to me on a practically new motor that has less than 100 miles on it. Is this normal? Does anything other than changing the oil, checking the differential fluid, changing/cleaning the filter and maybe some lube really need to be done?

 

Are you sure you understood him? No one removes the head...unless there is a verifiable problem. He probably said remove the valve cover, and check the valve lash.Everything which needs doing, is doable by the average guy. Other than the things you mentioned, check the valve lash, and adjust if out of tolerance, and it should be good to go.

 

Hmmm, could be. I asked him how much the parts might run and he mentioned a new gasket due to the valve inspection. I just assumed it was the head gasket he was talking about. Is there something like a Chilton's available for newer model Yamaha's?

 

The older ones will work for the engine and tranny, because that hasnt changed. The 05 and up have the irs, and thats about all thats different, from the older ones.
I think the gaskets are actually o rings, and they are reusable. Do it yourself and save big money. It doesnt take long to get at them, and they arent that tough to check, and most likely they are in tolerance, and you wont have to adjust anything. Its a 2 valve head, one intake and one exhaust, piece of cake.
Check ebay for service manuals...ive seen the cd's for well under 10 bucks total, and the paper service manuals are about 25 bucks.

 

if it's under waranty, they'll need to do the scheduled maint. stuff on it, or you could void the waranty.

that being said, it shouldn't cost more than $189. (<--- the price it's cost on my last two grizzlies) That's @ $90 an hour for labor...

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Hebs

if it's under waranty, they'll need to do the scheduled maint. stuff on it, or you could void the waranty.

</end quote></div>
This myth persists long after its been proven false. The Magnason act prevents that very thing from happening. Do your own maintance and save. No manufacturer can deny coverage, because you chose to do the maintance yourself. And if they do....file a lawsuit and win.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I checked out Ebay and I can get a Clymer's for the 1993 - 1998 models or a DVD of the actual Yamaha Service Manual for my year. Any thoughts on which might be better for the Average Joe?

 

Dont get the 93 to 98, its not your motor. They changed over to the modern motor in I think 00, so get the cd.
The Yamaha service manuals are written for people who already have the basics, and dont need a lot of hand holding. The clymer is more basic, for the guy at home. They both have the same info, its just a different level of detail in each. You should be fine with the cd.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: hondabuster

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Hebs



if it's under waranty, they'll need to do the scheduled maint. stuff on it, or you could void the waranty.



</end quote></div>

This myth persists long after its been proven false. The Magnason act prevents that very thing from happening. Do your own maintance and save. No manufacturer can deny coverage, because you chose to do the maintance yourself. And if they do....file a lawsuit and win.</end quote></div>


I'd like to hope that's the case... but I don't think I'll take any chances...

I don't have a problem with doing your own work... (I'm rebuilding my trashed kodiak 450 right now.) It's just a couple of maint. checks that I'd rather the dealer be responsible for, instead of me...