Low compression? Rebuild question

[King Trikester]

I don't have a compression texted yet but is it possible to have low compression without burning oil? I just picked up a 200es and it doesn't seem to have the power that it should, it's not quite tuned up yet but I have a feeling it's got low compression, it also leaks oil on the front top just below the exhaust header( I just Found this out today first time I've seen a honda drip oil). It shifts really well so I'm planning on only rebuilding The top end, I've never torn into an engine before, but I'm pretty mechanically inclined. What would you Recommend; higher compression piston, or just slap on a new set of rings? I wouldn't mind a bit more Power out of it but I don't really want to spend much money on it seems how it's not a ment To be a high performance machine

Lets say I did get a new higher comp piston what kind of machine work would I have to do? What do you Recomend, I'm a newb when it comes to these small engines but I'm comfident I can rebuild a top end

[dougspcs]

Well two ways you can attack this..

1st if the compression isn't too low..like still in the running range then start your tear down. Provided there is no major scoring to piston or cylinder you could just do a refresh. Buy a ball hone and run it thru the cylinder, clean the piston, install some new rings, pop the valves and clean them, and stick some new valve seals in..

If it's not totally beat to death or hasn't been run out of oil you should end up with a decent running machine to last years..provided you use good parts.


2nd, by the book method. Take the cylinder and head to a machine shop..they'll measure the cylinder for over-size then let you know what piston you need. Strip and rebuild the head, lap the valves in, new seals...etc

If it's really bad there may be no avoiding this way!

Now as far as the piston goes, I wouldn't spend the money on a high compression..I did in one of my Yamaha 225s and was kinda disappointed I wasted the money. Unless you are going to port the head, go bigger carb and all that tuning there isn't gonna be a huge performance improvement from just doing the piston.

Stick to the stock OEM parts as much as possible..most if not all are still available. You'll do better in terms of years of service using quality rebuild parts than spending more on the high compression piston!

Have fun it's a real learning experience..use the manual lots for removal and disassembly instructions as you'll save yourself time!

[King Trikester]

Ok thank you, I don't think it's in two bad of shape, I've been driving it around All week and it runs great, just seems really under powered compared to my 200m, and I used to own the identical machine a few years ago. Approximately How much would option number 2 cost? Would it be under or over 500$ I might go this way, I want it to last because a 1984 200es Was the first trike I ever owned, it's what started it all for me, this one just seems sluggish

[dougspcs]

I would see any way the full rebuild option could get to the $500 mark..unless it's a train wreck in there!!

Piston/rings, gaskets&seals, machine shop labour on the head and bore work should be in the $250-350 range I'd guess depending on incidentals and what piston you go with, all this with you doing the tear-down and rebuild part of course..