1963 CA77 Frame Compatible with a 1966 CA77 Engine?

[305Ryan]

Hi all. I have a 1963 CA77 Frame and Engine. Can anyone tell my if a 1966 CA77 Engine will fit in the 1963 frame?

My engine had really low compression and when I opened it up I discovered a small hole in one of the valves. I was hoping to just need pistons and rings, but now that I need to replace at least one valve, I'm thinking that swapping the engine out completely might be cheaper and easier. I'm not stuck on keeping the bike original and years matching at this point, I just want to finally be able to get it on the road. I found a 1966 engine online for under $300 shipped, and I think that might be the way to go if it will bolt up to my frame.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I did search the forum first, but couldn't find any definitive info.

[Hoosier Tom]

Hi all. I have a 1963 CA77 Frame and Engine. Can anyone tell my if a 1966 CA77 Engine will fit in the 1963 frame?

My engine had really low compression and when I opened it up I discovered a small hole in one of the valves. I was hoping to just need pistons and rings, but now that I need to replace at least one valve, I'm thinking that swapping the engine out completely might be cheaper and easier. I'm not stuck on keeping the bike original and years matching at this point, I just want to finally be able to get it on the road. I found a 1966 engine online for under $300 shipped, and I think that might be the way to go if it will bolt up to my frame.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I did search the forum first, but couldn't find any definitive info.

The engine as you describe will fit. What guarantees do you have that you won't have problems with this replacement engine? How many miles are on it? Any mechanical work done to it? These engines are easy enough to work on. Not much riding weather left. Your original engine sounds like a good winter project rebuild to me.

HT

[305Ryan]

Thanks for the reply HT. The only thing I know about the engine is that the seller says that it turns over easily and has 125 compression on both cylinders.

Does anyone know if there is a shop near Kalamazoo MI that could do the machining for new valves if I decide to go that route? Maybe that's the question I should have started with :)

[G-Man]

I agree with Tom. You will be buying a 50 year old engine and might end up rebuilding it after not too long.

Mind you, you will also have a spare engine to play with which is always handy. :-)

G

[305Ryan]

Thanks guys. I have a lead on a shop in Kalamazoo. I'll talk to them Monday.

Thanks for the replies.

[honda brian]

Hi Ryan, you could always buy the engine, pull the head and if it's good just stick it on your lower section. There's the problem though. As the other guys say, you don't know what you are buying. Good compressions though. Might be worth it.
Brian.

[Nick]

Installing a new (or even used) valve is very simple and inexpensive, as is getting the seat ground. In addition, you'll learn some valuable engine building skills that are applicable to any 4-stroke engine.

Nothing wrong with having a spare engine sitting around, though. Got a couple of those myself.