The curious case of Jim's SX - How to save a Trike

[Tri-ZNate]

its a 17mm. if you have to take the SX lug and weld it to a bolt


Jeff, good luck. By the looks of the water intrusion its gotta be an '85. No matter what they always let water and mud in unless you silicone the crap out of them.

[userj8670]

Its an 85. DC always commented on how the 85's had water problems. Whats the difference between the 85's and 86's that the problems were solved? They all used the same parts??? Are there 86 parts i could put on there to solve this problem in addition to silicone?

[Dirtcrasher]

Quote:
Originally Posted by userj8670 View Post
Its an 85. DC always commented on how the 85's had water problems. Whats the difference between the 85's and 86's that the problems were solved? They all used the same parts??? Are there 86 parts i could put on there to solve this problem in addition to silicone?

The biggest thing is checking it and correcting the problem early.....

As soon as that boot is ripped, change it and I silicone underneath it, barely tighten the clamps then tighten the clamps down fully after it dries. I also file flat, remove any burrs and silicone all the mating surfaces of the steel components.

The 86 drum is superior in sealing to the 85. The 85's leak but then have to get past a seal and 2 bearings in the drum backing plate and another seal and bearing at the ring gear. But, once the 1st seal is compromised, it doesn't take long for all to go to hell.

I'll bet your corrosion and contamination came mainly from the swingarm boot. Which rips often from the rear fender getting sloppy and the left lower corner contacts the boot when your riding, leaning and jumping. Those same trikes are usually running old OEM's that are stitched or Maier without a fender support.....

The only parts that come to mind that swap are the boot, bearings (some) and the driveshaft. None are an upgrade, your gonna need a new driveshaft too. I have that drum for you but it's gonna be tough to get a cheap mint driveshaft from me

[userj8670]

DC,

So i could not put 86 brakes on it? Jeff told me about the drum and possible shaft. I am interested but i am gathering up a list of what i am going to need. The drive shaft boot is complete sh**. I bought the trike when i was 18, never rode it much other than a few times here and there (maybe a total of 8 times). I am now 23 and really just started riding it this summer. Ask jeff what its like when i start it cold...you would think its a misquito fogger LOL

[Dirtcrasher]

No, I don't believe there is any possibility of using the 86 brakes, you'd have to find a swinger, axle and everything else.

I've seen whole rearends go for 99$ and others fetch 400$.....

[aldochina]

I have no idea how you guys afford those snap-on tools. I'd have no money left for the trikes. Glad to see you giving that sx some love, looks like she needs it.

[Twilight]

DC, On the back of my swinger I see 2 holes in the swingarm bolt tubing (i'll grab a pic later), I was thinking that could be another source of water, but not sure.

Couldnt a rubber piece be cut and placed into places where there are problems? kinda acting like a seal when tightened... I dunno if it would be worth it, but I can try by using a junk tire and cutting on it.

[userj8670]

Here is a pic of some of the new sandblasted parts thanks to jeff!! Check out my 46.00 supertrapp DC!!!

[nathanronan]

Fast...not so much. do about 45-55 depending who you ask. They are torquey, very similar to the big red but a little faster and upgraded suspension. They are built like tanks. I like mine and would have a hard time letting it go. I wish it would go faster but with an auto clutch and drive shaft its the perfect trail machine! Hope that helps!

thanks. there is a guy that is selling one for 650. good condition and runs good.

[honda250sx]

I have no idea how you guys afford those snap-on tools. I'd have no money left for the trikes. Glad to see you giving that sx some love, looks like she needs it.

When you count on tools every day. You buy the best... That goes for all my tools... It pays to have the right ones...

Suprisingly enough. Just when you thought this diff. would be filed in the round filing cabinet next to the shop bench... I was sadly mistaken. Looks like this will be saved.




Those of us that know anything about SX's, especially 85's, know that majority of this trike is on the ENDANGERED RESERVE LIST... When it goes to hell, it goes. Lots of KEY bearing journals on these machines. If they are not MINTY MINT MINT...bye bye goes the seal in record time. Out goes the bearing. Its all down hill from there. This stuff is KEY when working on the SX. Keep out the water.

[honda250sx]

Journals, not the type you write in either. I figured I'd post up an spout off what I am talking about. Here are some comparisons...


Jim's driveshaft...NOT MINTY... Pay particular attention to the differential end. Notice the rust and grooves on it. This is not a good sealing surface...




Courtesy of RPM-ATV...Continuing to support my addiction for MINT fresh take off's. Where they get this pristine goods are beyond me. But I love bidding for them! Driveshaft like this would pull an easy $100 bucks.







Jim's right side hub. SHOT. The 85 SX brake drum is another example of what happends when water comes to the party and ruins a good time.


Again another purchase of mine from RPM-ATV. Not a right side. But a left instead. Regardless. This is what it SHOULD look like.


And last but not least the swingarm bolt. These are often trashed. One because some moron tried to take it out with EVERYTHING BUT THE RIGHT TOOL... They too are exposed to the elements. When the bearings go these go right with them. Notice the seal groove and the lip on the end of the nub. Signs of wear...


And this is from an 86' take off rear end. This rear end is BRAND NEW. I bought it as a take off. The brake cables where cut when it was taken apart. Here is the swingarm bolt from it. It is brand new.


And speaking of CORRECT TOOLS FOR THE JOB...Yes that's a Honda tool. Yes it is what you need to remove the locking collar. No you cannot buy it from me.

[honda250sx]

Currently trying to build a tool to get that nut off that hold in the pinion shaft. I cant find my tool

[userj8670]

Jeff, technically you can machine one cant you?

[Dirtcrasher]

Currently trying to build a tool to get that nut off that hold in the pinion shaft. I cant find my tool

Man, I HATE losing my tool!!

Can you turn that one hub journal down and get a smaller ID rubber seal, like I did with the 200X front axle collars?? Or, turn it down, press a piece of stainless on there and turn that to spec again - piece of cake

[honda250sx]

Steve, its in the mail. Let me know when its done