Replacing Engine - Impact on Value?

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Sidecar Bob
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Re: Replacing Engine - Impact on Value?

#31

Post by Sidecar Bob »

Liam, I'm not talking about people that collect them with the intent of making them run eventually and put the effort into accomplishing that. I meant those who collect them specifically for the sake of collecting with no intention of ever making them roadworthy (the kind of restorations Mike spoke of here viewtopic.php?f=54&t=75491 )
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Re: Replacing Engine - Impact on Value?

#32

Post by rockyhayes »

“Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.” Forrest Gump, Famed Philosopher.

Well, I bought it. Got it home easy enough, and tore right in. Good news is, there is no interference damage! Indeed, one of the boxes of parts included an intact timing belt - so, it is now unclear why the PO disassembled the right bank. The right cam, and head had been pulled, then bolted back on hand tight. I took the left head off for further inspection. The cylinders, piston tops, valves, cams and combustion chambers look good. Damn thing had brand new plugs, badly rusted on the outside, which only adds to the mystery of the history.

The bad news is: the oil looks like sewage - especially at the filter (but no chunks of metal evident anywhere), the short block will barely turn over (I’m talking 100% of my 210 pound body weight on the kick starter - which does not spring back like it’s supposed to), the clutch handle is extremely difficult to pull, and I cannot get the bike to go in gear, no matter the technique. So, more tear down is necessary.

Still, I’m now hopeful the engine can be repaired rather than replaced. I’ll probably start a conversation over in the tech forum, as questions arise that only the gurus can help with.

Stay tuned...
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Re: Replacing Engine - Impact on Value?

#33

Post by pidjones »

Sounds like it got water in the block. Might try a flush of ATF and exercise, dump, repeat.
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Re: Replacing Engine - Impact on Value?

#34

Post by Sidecar Bob »

I was thinking about this and I wonder if any decrease in value from the engine being replaced would be less than the cost of fixing the original engine?
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
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Re: Replacing Engine - Impact on Value?

#35

Post by rockyhayes »

PDJ - I think you are correct. I found other evidence of moisture in crankcase. It is not antifreeze though, so as best I can tell the breather system allowed water in during a downpour or pressure washing event some time in the past.

This morning I cleaned up the oil filter housing and bypass valve (which was rusted shut) and installed a new oil filter, and repeatedly wiped down the cylinders while spraying WD40 around pistons to get at the rings. Then I warmed up about 6 quarts of Marvel Mystery Oil to 120F, poured it in the crankcase and cranked a few times with the foot crank. The crank is really bound up - something with the mechanism it turns out, not the engine itself. I noticed I could turn the engine at the crank with my hand. So, I decided to hook up a battery to the starter motor. SUCCESS! I had oil coming out the two feeds to the heads, so put some tubing in place to circulate it back into the crankcase. I've been spinning it every couple of hours, with clutch pulled in. I can now get it to shift through the gears too. Thankfully, there are no strange sounds or any other apparent concerns - it really spins quite freely.

So, I think I'm in the clear on getting this engine up and running again. All in all, I think I got a nice salted caramel dark chocolate this time!
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Re: Replacing Engine - Impact on Value?

#36

Post by Track T 2411 »

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Re: Replacing Engine - Impact on Value?

#37

Post by rockyhayes »

Alright guys, I have embarked on a complete and meticulous restoration - in hopes of making Jay Leno proud. I have striped the frame and am prepping it to be powder coated, along with all the pertinent peripheral pieces (battery frame, firewall, center stand, footpeg hardware, triple clamp, etc). Meanwhile, the engine is now on the bench. I will completely disassemble it, replace all gaskets & seals, clutch plates & springs, piston rings (hone cylinders), and anything else that needs addressing. I know it needs a new water pump. Who knows what else I'll find. But I am sure having fun! I've decided if I'm just able to recoup the $$ spent on parts/services I'll be happy enough at the end of this project/journey. Like some have mentioned, truth is the work is a form of therapy - and much cheaper than seeing a psychologist!
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Re: Replacing Engine - Impact on Value?

#38

Post by Rat »

More Shop Envy ... :mrgreen:

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