Sudden death on the expressway!

Figure out maintenance issues and discuss modifications
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TommyXP
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by TommyXP » Wed Sep 19, 2018 4:26 pm

No and would like to know myself......Some, though they don't frequent the forum anymore, like Robber57, have posted and done extensive engine work, and maybe if necessary, you can PM them with your query...........
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Mikey
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by Mikey » Thu Sep 20, 2018 2:57 am

I never saw a spark plug like that and hope to never will! I did some research on line and lean detonation could cause damage to the spark plug sometimes. Before you get in too deeply why dont you try putting in a new spark plug? Also someone suggest check the oil for metal filings. My understanding of an engine is the piston can not come in contact with a spark plug unless the connecting rod came apart. Never ran into a situation like this before.

SH125Paul
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by SH125Paul » Thu Sep 20, 2018 9:59 am

Looks like a typical Honda electrical fault... Piston has hit the soark plug!...
Dont look good...
But hopefully it was the spark plug that failed rather than piston, pin or rod,
If it turned over OKish then hopefully not the valve train, dropped or bent valve.
Tourch light in to the spark plug hole... Maybe a phone pic show anything.
Im with mikey...
Stick a plug in and try...
Nothing to loose...

Elvis
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by Elvis » Fri Sep 21, 2018 11:53 am

Gentlemen, this doesn't look too good.

Surgery has revealed a catastrophic engine failure.

My first clue was the appearance of the spark plug, as you saw in the earlier picture.

Then, when I started to pull the cylinder head, I heard something fall out. It turned out to be a valve head. Here's a picture:
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TommyXP
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by TommyXP » Fri Sep 21, 2018 11:55 am

So sorry.
What type of oil were you using and what type of fuel? Not that it is relevant but wonder anyhow......
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Elvis
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by Elvis » Fri Sep 21, 2018 11:58 am

Then, when I separated the cylinder head from the cylinder, here is what was revealed.

Looks like that poor valve head bounced around a good bit.

Important Question: Does anyone know if Honda sells the engine as a whole, or at least the assembled block, rather than having to buy all the parts a la carte and assemble them?
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Elvis
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by Elvis » Fri Sep 21, 2018 12:01 pm

Lastly, I've not been able to remove the cylinder head from the engine, as it doesn't clear the frame.

In this picture you can see the top of the cylinder head is about 3 mm shy of being able to slide out. It hits the bottom of the frame tube.

Any ideas?
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TommyXP
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by TommyXP » Fri Sep 21, 2018 12:04 pm

Jack up/down the back a bit?
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Elvis
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by Elvis » Fri Sep 21, 2018 12:05 pm

Tommy, I just saw your earlier post and its questions.

Gas: Regular 87 octane, same as I've always used.

Oil: Supertech 10W30 Full Synthetic, same as I've always used.

The scooter had 30,691 miles when it died.

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NADman
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by NADman » Fri Sep 21, 2018 1:37 pm

Where are you 'Elvis'?
I may be able to help.

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