ATHENA Cylinder Base Gasket for YAMAHA YZF 426 1998-2002

The ATHENA cylinder base gasket is designed for YAMAHA YZF 426 from 1998 to 2002. The base gasket seals between the cylinder and the crankcase. Its thickness matters: it sets the height of the cylinder, and therefore the squish, the compression and, on a two-stroke, the port timing.

Key features

• Several thicknesses available for the same bike.
• The right tool for setting squish, compression and timing, according to Athena.

Specifications

• Brand: ATHENA
• Manufacturer part numbers: S410485006178, S410485006179
• Available versions: 0.40 mm: ref. S410485006178; 0.50 mm: ref. S410485006179
• Weight: 50 g
• Engine: 4-stroke

Choosing the right thickness

Measure the thickness of the old gasket with a vernier caliper and fit the same, unless you are deliberately adjusting the squish. A thicker gasket increases the squish and lowers compression; a thinner one does the opposite. After any change of thickness, check the squish with solder wire.

When to replace it?

• Oil or coolant seeping at the base of the cylinder.
• Gasket crushed or torn on removal.

Every time the cylinder is removed: a crushed base gasket can't be reused.

Fitting tips

1. Clean the crankcase face and the base of the cylinder without scratching them.
2. Fit the gasket dry, centred on the studs.
3. Tighten the cylinder in a criss-cross pattern to the manufacturer's torque.
4. If you have changed the thickness, measure the squish before refitting the cylinder head with a new head gasket.

Why ATHENA?

Athena, an Italian company founded in 1973 near Vicenza, designs gaskets, pistons and cylinder kits for motorcycles. An OEM supplier to KTM, Ducati, Fantic, Piaggio and Triumph and a partner of the MXGP world championship, it develops its parts on the test bench and on the track with racing teams.

Spare parts and items to plan

• Top-end gasket kit : see the selection
• Piston : WISECO
• Piston rings : VERTEX 590395000001 · VERTEX 590397000001
• Coolant : LIQUI MOLY 1 L · TWIN AIR

Frequently asked questions

Which thickness should I choose?
The same as your original gasket, unless you are deliberately adjusting the squish. Thicknesses available: 0.40 mm, 0.50 mm.

Should the other gaskets be replaced?
Yes, as soon as the cylinder is removed: a top end gasket kit includes all the gaskets that need replacing.

Compatibility

Check the exact model and year of your bike in the list below before ordering.

Fits:
YAMAHA YZF 426 2002
YAMAHA YZF 426 2001
YAMAHA YZF 426 2000
YAMAHA YZF 426 1999
YAMAHA YZF 426 1998