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View Full Version : Full case split engine rebuild of my 85 R



Hedbngr18
02-14-2022, 02:41 PM
Just some pics of my recent complete engine rebuild. Wasn't thinking of posting when I started, so I don't have any before pics. The engine was in okay shape. Only a couple of dings/scrapes to fill in.

So, a little background on the engine. A top end was done back in '08 and the assembler accidentally rotated the head gasket counter clockwise one position. This led to the skirt of the piston shattering from overheating and dropping confetti into the crank. I pulled the top end to inspect back in 2010 and the bike sat like that until this past October. I did slowly collect parts during that time so when the urge struck, I would not be stuck waiting on parts or caught with a lack of funds holding me up.

I bought a Hot Rods complete bottom end rebuild kit, an L.A. Sleeve, all new bearings/seals, Wiseco 1.5mm over piston, Hinson basket, Barnett Dirt Digger discs/plates/springs, Boyesen Super Stock fiber reeds, NOS clutch hub and a Spec Bolt complete hardware replacement kit. The reed spacer block seen in the photos was already there.

I spent a weekend doing a port job a couple years back and according to people who used to do it for their race engines back in the day, I did a fine job. Nothing too extreme. Just very mild enlarging and a ton of smoothing/shaping/port matching. I sand blasted and repainted all the external surfaces. I just have the clutch cover and water pump left to put on. I can't wait to hear it run again. Enjoy.

kiser
02-14-2022, 09:13 PM
Looking great! I really like your engine stand!

BarnBoy
02-14-2022, 11:03 PM
Very nice, post some more pics of that engine stand. What paint did you use on the motor?

Hedbngr18
02-15-2022, 10:43 AM
Here's a link to the stand...Take note though, I had to modify it a bit to make it work for the old R. The hole at the rear of the engine is smaller than modern bikes. I used some All-Thread bought from Home Depot and I put a threaded t-nut to back it up with a nut and washer on the opposing surface. If you look closely at the pictures, you can see the mods I made.

https://www.amazon.com/Motorsport-Products-60-1002-Engine-Stand/dp/B077BF66ZR/ref=asc_df_B077BF66ZR/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343211963494&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2727786509775031085&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013962&hvtargid=pla-715840273849&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=69167827175&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343211963494&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2727786509775031085&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013962&hvtargid=pla-715840273849

The paint is VHT Engine Enamel. I didn't buy this exact color, but this one is probably a closer match to factory color. Here's a link...

https://www.amazon.com/VHT-ESP903007-Satin-Black-Engine/dp/B000CPCRN6/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1VALSIQ1DGMV7&keywords=vht+engine+paint&qid=1644936082&s=automotive&sprefix=vht+engine+paint%2Cautomotive%2C190&sr=1-3

BarnBoy
02-15-2022, 06:03 PM
Badass, yet another thing I need to buy LOL.

I haven't been impressed in my experience with VHT engine enamel, so let me know how it works out!!

Hedbngr18
02-17-2022, 01:26 PM
Badass, yet another thing I need to buy LOL.

I haven't been impressed in my experience with VHT engine enamel, so let me know how it works out!!

Yeah, I haven't ever worked with it before. I am hoping that the extra prep I did by sandblasting, parts washing, and baking the parts and getting them 100% cleaned out of all oils/contaminants will make the difference. In my experience, even the best paints can't stick to stuff that isn't completely ready for it. Plus, I made sure to lay 2 coats as thick as I could without it running. I will have to post some update pics after a season of riding.

Red Rider
02-17-2022, 04:10 PM
Nice work. I’ve never used an engine stand for a motorcycle engine before. I’ve always used the frame to hold it secure while working on it, which means I’m constantly standing up, then kneeling back down again, and hunching over, to work on it. This tires me out and leads to sore knees and back. Hmmmm, maybe I need to invest in one of these, you know, to help improve my posture.

Hedbngr18
02-19-2022, 11:53 AM
Nice work. I’ve never used an engine stand for a motorcycle engine before. I’ve always used the frame to hold it secure while working on it, which means I’m constantly standing up, then kneeling back down again, and hunching over, to work on it. This tires me out and leads to sore knees and back. Hmmmm, maybe I need to invest in one of these, you know, to help improve my posture.

To go even one step further, I have the engine stand on an adjustable standing desk. The final step is to put a standing pad so I can handle the hours of tinkering. It's been a great decision thus far.