I am looking at a 2008 Yamaha Rhino 700 that has 160 hours on it. The guy tells me that the valve seals are leaking and need to be replaced.

What would cause them to leak?
How much trouble are they to replace?
What is that going to cost?

I assume it has low compression or was is smoking? If it is low compression the valves might need to be adjusted, if the valve guides are leaking possibly might be just as cheap to replace the whole head compared to pulling it and having a shop install new guides. How accessible is the cylinder head? I could replace the head on my ranger in a couple of hours.

Not sure. I’ve not been to inspect it yet.

I’m just going by what the seller is telling me. I don’t have time nor do I want a major issue to work on.

But it’s a good deal so I’m considering it.

No logical reason for valve seals to leak at 160 hours. Unless he’s had it apart don’t think there’s a real way to know. I’d go into it assuming the whole top end will need replacing. If you’re mechanically inclined it could be done for $500 n parts and an afternoon. If you drop it off at a dealership it’s gonna get expensive quickly

Thanks for the info.

Why does he think valve seals need replaced? Normally a little smoke at start up that clears is a sign of bad valve seals. Valve seals are very cheap and a simple fix if thats all it is, but the head does have to come off. A lot of time people play the valve seals card because its the cheapest fix. If its smoking much at all its usually the rings. The 700 Rhino is a solid machine with a reliable motor. If it hasnt been abused or sunk then at 160 hrs you should have a good machine. I think if it ended up needing the top end refreshed you could get everything done with no shortcuts at a shop under $1000. The parts at most should be $450 and thats if your cylinder needs plating. Its not a hard job to do a top end so you could do the labor yourself if not shop time will probably be 4-6 hrs.

rebuilding the cylinder or valve seals is very cheap and easy. the problem would be if you got a busted piston skirt or crankshaft issue. any fragments of metal in the case and it could be a big job. personally id rather do piston rings than valves anyways.

rebuilding the cylinder or valve seals is very cheap and easy. the problem would be if you got a busted piston skirt or crankshaft issue. any fragments of metal in the case and it could be a big job. personally id rather do piston rings than valves anyways.

rebuilding the cylinder or valve seals is very cheap and easy. the problem would be if you got a busted piston skirt or crankshaft issue. any fragments of metal in the case and it could be a big job. personally id rather do piston rings than valves anyways.

rebuilding the cylinder or valve seals is very cheap and easy. the problem would be if you got a busted piston skirt or crankshaft issue. any fragments of metal in the case and it could be a big job. personally id rather do piston rings than valves anyways.

You can say that again

I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned it but, rebuilding the cylinder or valve seals is very cheap and easy. the problem would be if you got a busted piston skirt or crankshaft issue. any fragments of metal in the case and it could be a big job. personally id rather do piston rings than valves anyways.

This x6

So y’all are saying rebuilding the cylinder or valve seals is very cheap and easy. the problem would be if you got a busted piston skirt or crankshaft issue. any fragments of metal in the case and it could be a big job. personally id rather do piston rings than valves anyways.

Basically

Could you repeat that again, I didn’t get all of it?