Sudden death on the expressway!

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

Post by Elvis » Fri Sep 21, 2018 1:50 pm

Miami, Florida.

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Mikey
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by Mikey » Fri Sep 21, 2018 5:57 pm

I think you have a parts bike now. Check these two out. One has 69 miles and one has 186. The dealer is outside of Houston.

https://www.powersportsauction.com/used ... ius%5D=all

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Mikey
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by Mikey » Sat Sep 22, 2018 3:33 am

The service manual states you do not have to pull the engine.
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Mikey
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by Mikey » Sat Sep 22, 2018 8:09 am

Was the valve stem still in the cylinder head? Was it just the head of the valve that fell into the combustion chamber? Will be interesting if you could determine the chain of events that caused this catastrophe.

Did you ever adjust the valves? If running too tight or loose could cause fatigue over time.

Elvis
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by Elvis » Sat Sep 22, 2018 8:36 am

Mikey, thanks for the assist.

Yes, I did see where the manual says I don't have to remove the engine to pull the cylinder head. But it just barely hits the frame. Alas.

At this point I'm more concerned with the economics of the situation. From what I've been able to gather, Honda does not sell assembled engines or blocks. I would have to buy each part individually and assemble them, which will get expensive quickly.

As for your question of whether the valve stem is still in the head, I think so (I'm not by the bike at this time).

And more importantly, why did it fail? That is a very troubling question. I saw no evidence of overheating. I checked for oil after, it was fine, up to the proper level. I don't remember any 'check engine' light or similar warning about low oil.

Oil pump failure? How would I check for that?

Elvis
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by Elvis » Sat Sep 22, 2018 8:42 am

Mikey, no, I never did adjust the valves. Maybe that was it.

SH125Paul
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by SH125Paul » Sat Sep 22, 2018 10:17 am

Would supporting / jacking / undoing the lower shock mountings, or try on the side stand get you enough access to remove cyl head then barrel...
Had to jack the gilly runner or support it when not on the stand to remove cover for valve check..
Good luck that thd head and bore are OK... New valve set and piston n pin?

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Mikey
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by Mikey » Sat Sep 22, 2018 12:08 pm

Maybe the valve just got a little too tight or too loose and caused stress over time.

"If the engine is running at 4,000 RPM, the valves are opening and closing 2,000 times every minute, or 33 times every second. At these speeds, the piston is moving very quickly, so the air/fuel mixture rushing into the cylinder is moving very quickly as well."

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TommyXP
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by TommyXP » Sat Sep 22, 2018 1:04 pm

Note to self: Don't be lackadaisical about taking the Time to check valve 'gap' (as you have been!) next servicing........
Condolences to Elvis.....this too shall pass.
Freedom is not something you are given. Its something you take.

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NADman
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Re: Sudden death on the expressway!

Post by NADman » Sat Sep 22, 2018 2:28 pm

Elvis wrote:Miami, Florida.
Mine was written off after theft. Just some cosmetic damage.
Some of us have discussed cross border shipping before and it can
quickly become a nightmare. Looks like we both have parts bikes.
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