I've got some issues running lean on my 1984 Honda Shadow Vt700c. http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/72...net/forum/72-technical-discussion/108568-irreparably-lean-ill-try-anything.html. Given that and I have some significant oil leakage, I've decided to rebuild the cylinders, check the pistons and check the valves. However, I just got off the phone with the honda dealer, and apparently they don't make the piston rings for my bike anymore or "Gasket kit B" for the bottom end.
They do still have the Gasket Kit A for the "top end" which seems to have most of what I need.. I don't know that I even need the bottom end which has gaskets for the crankcase and clutch case. I'm going to go study some diagrams to see how far apart I actually need to take this thing apart.
Three questions:
1) How important is it to replace piston rings on a bike with 35k miles. I may have gotten some metal shavings in the cylinders when I broke off a spark plug. Reusing Used Spark Plugs Although I'm pretty sure I got everything out. I believe most of the wear has come from rusty gas http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/72...echnical-discussion/94574-new-rider-old-bike-soon-ether-junkie-choke-cable.html and overheating. I did have a close call one time in the desert when my radiator hose came out of the reservoir tank. I was already running hot because of the lean a/f mix, plus I was in 90 deg F temp, plus I had two people and a ton of camping gear on the bike. I had to ride slow for about 60 miles and until I could fill up with water and more oil (most of it had burned off). The temp gauge never crossed into red, but it did get really close before I'd pull over and let the bike cool. I did an immediate coolant flush and oil change when I got home, but I'm sure the damage was done. So piston rings?
2) If I need to replace the rings where can I find a good aftermarket set since I can't find a place that carries OEM?
3) How far do I need to tear down the engine? Does anyone know if Gasket Kit A will be enough or does that depend on whether or not I need to pull the pistons?
There is an AMP Gasket Kit by Vesrah that was recommended to me by the dealer. It has ALL the gaskets but no piston ring. I usually shy away from non honda gaskets, but the guy said he's used these on his dirt bike rebuilds.
They do still have the Gasket Kit A for the "top end" which seems to have most of what I need.. I don't know that I even need the bottom end which has gaskets for the crankcase and clutch case. I'm going to go study some diagrams to see how far apart I actually need to take this thing apart.
Three questions:
1) How important is it to replace piston rings on a bike with 35k miles. I may have gotten some metal shavings in the cylinders when I broke off a spark plug. Reusing Used Spark Plugs Although I'm pretty sure I got everything out. I believe most of the wear has come from rusty gas http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/72...echnical-discussion/94574-new-rider-old-bike-soon-ether-junkie-choke-cable.html and overheating. I did have a close call one time in the desert when my radiator hose came out of the reservoir tank. I was already running hot because of the lean a/f mix, plus I was in 90 deg F temp, plus I had two people and a ton of camping gear on the bike. I had to ride slow for about 60 miles and until I could fill up with water and more oil (most of it had burned off). The temp gauge never crossed into red, but it did get really close before I'd pull over and let the bike cool. I did an immediate coolant flush and oil change when I got home, but I'm sure the damage was done. So piston rings?
2) If I need to replace the rings where can I find a good aftermarket set since I can't find a place that carries OEM?
3) How far do I need to tear down the engine? Does anyone know if Gasket Kit A will be enough or does that depend on whether or not I need to pull the pistons?
There is an AMP Gasket Kit by Vesrah that was recommended to me by the dealer. It has ALL the gaskets but no piston ring. I usually shy away from non honda gaskets, but the guy said he's used these on his dirt bike rebuilds.
