185/200 series bearing question

[83ATC185]

Is there any way to fill in the camshaft bearing surface on 185/200 motors to build them up and grind them back down to spec? Is there any way to do this and have it last? Or is head/valve cover replacement the only way? I have another head that is good to go, just trying to save what I've got if its possible to do so and have it last.

[YTZ drew]

Megacycle Cams offers a cam that uses needle bearings instead of just riding directly in the head, I personally have never used one but it sounds like a possible solution. I am holding onto a really bad 200x head in hopes of going that route someday.

[DohcBikes]

It all depends on how much you want to spend on a head that you can buy used in good condition for $50-$100. I'm going to bank that there are more 200x heads on shelves than complete engines out there. If originality is not a factor then there are other options for heads.

[83ATC185]

My dads suggestion was drill a hole in the bearing and make your own bearing with a locating dowel, and bore the valve cover out to fit the new bearing. But its not worth it unless there's no other option, and you ruin a valve cover in the process. I was thinking you could maybe weld it up and cut it back down but the filler wont hold up to constant use like that.

So i broke out the 2000 grit and polished the bearings in the other head. I was thinking maybe it could be fixed easily/cheaply. Ill look into the megacycles cam as well, it seems like it would be a more durable solution any way.

[Toaster556]

My machinist fixed a few ported XR200 heads that had chewed up bearing surfaces by machining the bearing pockets larger and turning bronze bushings for the cam. He charged roughly $80 for doing that, but he also took care of my entire riding groups machine work and generally charged us less than what others were charged.
IMHO, if the head is worn or damaged, unless its ported, its simply not worth it. As Damon said, theyre plentiful and generally cheap.

[83ATC185]

There's a machine shop practically in my front yard ;)

I may get out there this weekend and try to make some bushing for it like you said, or wait till its too cold to ride, like i need one more project.

[Toaster556]

I'll shoot my buddies from back home a few emails, see if anyone still has one of the heads on their shelf to supply a pic. It kills me knowing what was sold off cheap that I didn't grab, like the RS200 head with external oil feed lines. Shoulda woulda coulda.

[83ATC185]

Yeah I know what you mean. And that would be much appreciated thanks