Engine rebuild advice for a soon to be new mechanicEngine rebuild advice for a soon to be new mechanicWell,
After looking for sometime, I can't find a local mechanic willing to go through my Ca 77's engine. Soooo, It looks like I am going to soon taking a crack at this motor myself. This is my 4th old Honda restore, but, I have not done a engine overhaul yet. I like to think I am pretty handy and could figure it out, I guess we'll see. I have adjusted valves and other basic things before. I've started reading an online motorcycle mechanic course. I like the idea of learning how to do the work myself, but obviously this a complicated subject. I'm starting to collect some parts such as gasket kits, seals, points and condensor. The motor ran when I took it out of the frame. It was pretty weak, but usually started right up. It would get the bike up to about 60 mph on level ground (no wind), but when it came time to go up a hill........not good. It leaked alot of oil. Once it got to a moderate rpm the power surged slowly. I love to have any advice. What common problems with rebuilds? Am I crazy to try this myself? I guess everyone has got to start somewhere. Thanks, Bryan
Go for it! I rebuilt a 250 dream motor when I was 15 1/2. And if I remember right I rode it for a year or so after that without problems. Either these motors are very robust and forgiving or I got lucky!
Get a manual, don't be in a hurry, read the past posts here and ask for help here. You'll be fine. Good luck, Jim Bryan, get the Bill Silver engine book, if not both of his books. Take the time to read and re-read it. Use it like a bible during the rebuild process. Take pics of parts before disassembling them, and definately ask questions on this forum when in doubt. These are fairly simple engines, and will give you a great feeling of accomplishment when done!
davomoto Thanks for the encouragement.
I've already had the bike blasted and powdercoated in white. It looks great. I am in the process of putting it back together now. Once it is mostly done I will start on the engine. I already have Bills cd. It has soooo much great info on it. I haven't had to the chance to go through everything yet, but I believe there is much about engine rebuilding that I will have to reference. I am happy that I have decided to tackle the engine myself. I have always wanted to really understand that aspect of the rebuild. We'll see how I feel once I get into it. Thanks, Bryan Ps I'll post a few pics once there is more to look at.
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