A good deal?

[mike1979]

I talked to someone from Craigslist today, he is an out of work bike mechanic. He said he would install a new piston, rings, valve seals/seats for $120 labor plus parts which he quotes at $140 so $260 total. Is this a good deal? I have to pay someone because I dont know how and have never done it. He said he is willing to teach me as he does it. Hopefully I can take the knowledge and use it on a 200x that needs the same thing. What do you guys think?

[Walkerallen]

sounds like a good gig to me

[TheRealFatShady]

That sounds more than reasonable., especially if he needs to take the engine out for you. (Takes me about 20-60 minutes depending on if I'm alone or with someone and how rusty and stiff the bolts/nuts are)

Issues I see: you *may* need to have your cylinder bored for a new piston (also use a micrometer to check the exact size of cylinder) before buying a new piston set. You will also need a top end gasket set. Gasket sets are around $20-$25 and wiseco piston sets maybe $100-$150 depending on where you buy from.

If he's willing to help you learn, that's a definite plus. That's how I learned, a mechanic I found on craigslist taught me. Now he's probably one of my best buddies.

[x200x]

sounds good, out of curiosity what kind of trikes do you have? i have a 200x

[mike1979]

Thanks for the input, come to think if it, he didn't quote me a price for the gasket kit. I will let him know. I may not do the piston because I think my issues are in the head but I will do rings and honing for sure. If anything looks the least bit out of whack with the piston I will do it..

x200x - I have a 85 350x, 85 200x, 82 200atc, and a Tri Moto 200 unknown year yet.

[mike1979]

That sounds more than reasonable., especially if he needs to take the engine out for you. (Takes me about 20-60 minutes depending on if I'm alone or with someone and how rusty and stiff the bolts/nuts are)

Issues I see: you *may* need to have your cylinder bored for a new piston (also use a micrometer to check the exact size of cylinder) before buying a new piston set. You will also need a top end gasket set. Gasket sets are around $20-$25 and wiseco piston sets maybe $100-$150 depending on where you buy from.

If he's willing to help you learn, that's a definite plus. That's how I learned, a mechanic I found on craigslist taught me. Now he's probably one of my best buddies.

What usually comes with the piston kit? just piston and rings?

[Yamaha_Rules69]

The piston kit will come with a new piston, wrist pin, rings, and circlips, everything you need on a 4 stroke.

[BIGREDGUY]

It sounds like a good deal and if he teaches you along the way you gain that knowledge.

[mike1979]

It sounds like a good deal and if he teaches you along the way you gain that knowledge.

Yeah, that's basically what I'm thinking. I really cant learn by reading the manual, I am more of a hands on learner.

[ceaserthethird]

Make sure you pressure wash your bike so it's clean, Pretty cool he's going to teach you.

If i was you i would just get the piston kit & new gaskets done, Why do just rings ?