White smoke from left side over 5k

Jlovvorn · Post by **Jlovvorn** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 6:27 pm

Thanks G-Man, looks like there is no easy way out here.

I can't believe all the months of work to get her running right, and now I have to tear it down and do the top end.

My idea when I bought this pile of bolts was 60/30 ride vs. wrench. So far, its 10/90.

And maybe its the poor engine condition on the 305, but my 160 is way way more fun to ride.

I can't do the top end, its over my head, so looks like I find a mechanic or just finally let go of the bike.

I will take a bath on a sale at this point. Bying this bike was the worst decision I have ever made on a vehicle. Argh....

Vince Lupo · Post by **Vince Lupo** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 7:09 pm

I think this is the way it goes with old stuff -- cars, bikes, cameras, record players, wrist watches, anything mechanical (and I've done all of those!). I've certainly been down your road many times, and in most cases, it's worked out in the end and I've been happy with the end result. True, you may end up spending way more $$$ than you hoped you would, but I like to think that persistence pays off. Take a look at the revival of my Checker Marathon, and you get an idea of what I went through the last year. Fortunately the current results made all the trouble worthwhile.

Give John a call and explain the situation -- I guess if there's a silver lining, the season is winding down, and it will be a good winter project (If John can't help for some reason, there's my friend Lee in Sykesville who can solve the issue). Come the spring, you'll have a fresh engine, a new season, and hopefully a better outlook.

Jlovvorn · Post by **Jlovvorn** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 7:37 pm

Thanks Vince, I am pretty much pot committed at this point.

I would be curious to hear opinions on what a fair price for a top end rebuild should be, and also if I should go for oversized or stick close to stock.

Thanks for the referrals.