My first Tecate (Needs help)

[BillW]

Was looking through local Craigslist a couple of weeks ago and found a cheap Tecate. In about 5 minutes I decided I needed a new hobby. So, I decided to do some learning and then hopefully have some fun! I didn't realize there was so much interest out there as there is in this forum - which is awesome. Anyway, seller said it was running but was having problems with the engine and he brought it into a local shop. They tore the engine apart and said the cylinder needed attention. Apparently he didn't want to spend the money so trike came home w/ a box-o-parts and he garaged it for a couple of years. After I got it home, I loose fit everything together and it seems to be pretty complete - less some misc. bolts and the oil fill plug. (He says he has the stock exhaust pipe and will get it to me.)

My plan is to (1) get it running, (2) address other mechanical issues, and (3) make it look better after it runs decent. So, to start, I need to get it running. I am going to assume the bottom end is in running condition and just change the oil. For the top end, as I understand it, I either need to bore and Nikasil or sleeve the cylinder. Can I tell by looking at the cylinder if it has been sleeved previously or if it is the original Nikasil? Where should I send the cylinder to get the work done? I don't know what we have for local shops, but I wouldn't think most local shops would have the equipment to do this work and would usually send it out to a machine shop anyway? Since this is going on 25 years old, I don't expect a local shop to see many of these. . . ?

Any direction or comments would be appreciated as the only things I know so far are from reading the forum. Thanks, Bill

Sorry I can't seem to get the photos to show up. Looks like the links work though.

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...photos/134.jpg
http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...photos/193.jpg
http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/P8220009.jpg
http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/P8220015.jpg

[2quicktecate]

you will be able to se if it's sleeved. i would get it replated if it hasn't been sleeved. i'n still trying to find a decent shop to send my ported cyl. to have it plated

[3Razors]

I always use Langcourt for replating, they always have the best price and they are known worldwide.

www.langcourt.com

[scooterroo]

http://kustom-kraft.com/NEWNIKASIL.html

http://www.uschrome.com/

http://www.mt-llc.com/Ordering/inventory.html

heres a few places that do re nikking. all about the same price. you should be able to tell if it has been re,sleeved just by looking down at the cylinder from the top. t3's are badarse rides. you will like it once it is up and running. any info we can supply you with, please feel free to ask. im sure one of us has an answer.

as for the photobucket thing and pics, when your in advanced post mode, hit the insert image tab at top, and then paste the direct link code in the http window that pops up. simple.

enjoy the t3, and welcome to the boards.

[BillW]

Thanks for the direction - I will check out the links.

Here is a pic of the top of the cylinder. It looks like there might be a sleeve - but this is the first cylinder I have seen so I don't know what they look like w/o one. Can you guys tell from the pic?

[cr480r]

looks plated to me

[tecat-z]

Yep, looks to still be plated, but badly worn at TDC.

[BillW]

Cool. Good to know what I have.
Thanks for the help.

[2quicktecate]

if i have my cyl. plated will i have to send them my new piston?

[tecat-z]

They'll supply you with one. They need a new one for clearance reasons.

[2quicktecate]

i have already bought an oem kawaski piston

[2quicktecate]

hopefully i can send that with the cyl. i would hate to have to buy another.

[cr480r]

you can supply your own piston

[tecat-z]

CR is correct. But i've just let them git it. If you have an oem cast, that's even better.

[2quicktecate]

i've been told oem cast is better..