bigmalcy Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Hi again folks: there's a 4th gen bike for sale here which is very cheap because the engine apparently has a faulty exhaust valve. I am yet to speak to the owner to see how he knows this for sure, but I also wanted to know how easy it would be to replace this valve. Is it something within the competency of a good DIY mechanic to do without the need for specialist tools? The engine has over 100,000kms on it. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Cogswell Posted September 22, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted September 22, 2015 You can download the 4th gen service manual here for free and read through the procedure. It should advise on any special tools required. It might also be worth checking with Honda to confirm that parts are available. Unless this bike is exceptionally nice or exceptionally cheap, it might be better to find one already in good running order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmalcy Posted September 23, 2015 Author Share Posted September 23, 2015 Thanks Cogswell... the bike is advertised at US$500 which is pretty cheap here in Oz... it's more for my young brother in law who doesn't have much cash (student) and is keen to learn more about spannering, so we thought it might be a good project for him. Just looked at the service manual and looks like I'd need the valve spring compressor ST at least... might be an interesting project, but we'll see... could also be a PITA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted September 23, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted September 23, 2015 Pictures, we will want plenty of picture of the teardown and rebuild! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmalcy Posted September 23, 2015 Author Share Posted September 23, 2015 Crikey... taking photos while relaxing on holiday has never been my strong point... so doing it while concentrating on spannering is going to be a bigger challenge than the job itself :) Will see what I can do... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 You might still want to ask a few questions before buying the bike like: How was the diagnosis of a "faulty" valve made, was a leak-down test made on the cylinder? Was the head taken off for inspection? What was found faulty? The valve seal or seat? Is it a burned valve? Is it a broken valve spring? Is the damage at the valve or at the cam lobe/bucket? Finding out what is really wrong with the valve before buying the bike might at least give you an idea on what's ahead of you, whether plans on spending time and money to repair the said valve or just planning on swapping out the engine will be the best thing to do, as there are enough salvaged engines for sale out there for reasonable prices.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmalcy Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 Hi Beck - I actually plan to ask the seller exactly how he has diagnosed the faulty valve. He's been quite specific and said that it's the exhaust valve on no. 2 cylinder, so it sounds like he may have done some tests... but as you point out, it could be any number of things causing the symptom. There's a 2nd hand engine available nearby from a wreckers for US$700. To be perfectly honest I'm in no rush. If he gets desperate and drops to US$400 I might take the bike so I can part it out. Bits like the exhaust and discs etc might come in handy for keeping my 3rd gen on the road in future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Cogswell Posted September 24, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted September 24, 2015 There's a used head on ebay now from a 15,000 mile bike (has photo of the odometer ) - for $55. Includes the cams. That would make for a pretty cheap fix. If the plastics on it are good, that could be a nice find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmalcy Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 There's a whole engine in the US on ebay for about $400 and multiple cylinder heads... so many cheap parts available over there. Almost makes me wish I'd emigrated to the US instead of Australia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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