1984 200x kicker problem/ metal in oil

[Scott9]

hello, I recently purchased my first trike, a 1984 200x for $300. when i bought it the owner told me that he changed the timing chain and did some to end work, and the clutch didnt work. Well we got the clutch working and it rides fine, but when i went to change the oil, there was a lot of aluminum shavings in it.. I was wondering what this was from?? Also when i go to kick it over sometimes it starts the first kick, and others it feels like im not kicking anything over (gears slipping?) and it takes a lot of kicks to finallly start. Has any one else had similar problems with their 200x? your help is greatly appreciated.

[shortline10]

Alum shavings is usually the lower rod bearing, very common on these motors . The kicker slipping means your ratchet spring is weak and needs an upgraded spring that forces the rathet teeth together .

[Scott9]

Thanks shortline, how hard is it to change the lower rod bearing? am i looking at a bottem end rebuild? and do you know where i can get the spring for the ratchet gears? Also is the trike ok to ride for a little, or should i fix the rod bearing asap?

[yaegerb]

can't speak to the metal shavings, but I would say if you are seeing them, then its likely not a good sign. I can speak to the kicker springs as I have done this. To insert a stiffer spring you will need to split the cases and I would back-cut the gears while you are in there. Also, while you are in there you can see where the shavings are coming from. If you have a working mechanical knowledge and the correct tools/manual, then difficulty is a 6 on a 1-10 scale.

[Scott9]

Thanks yaegerb, where did you get your kicker spring?

[yaegerb]

I got the spring off of EBAY. There was the return spring and small "tension" spring as a set and they were NOS. I got lucky. I think Shortline10 is still selling kits. I would send him a PM and see if he still has any.