Let the games begin! (1986 350X project)

[Red Rider]

I see this paint is still available. 40 years later would you think it's still a close match to Honda ATC blue? I guess I could buy a can from Amazon and test it out.

Yeah, before I posted that pic, I searched for True Blue, on Krylon's website, and 2 results popped up. Based on what I saw on my computer screen, I would be leaning towards the COLORmaxx option myself.

https://www.krylon.com/en/search?q=true+blue

[J!m]

Not sure I’ve updated here but I have a very nice correct front wheel now. Also a pair of rears that are kinda rough. I’m thinking I’ll see what a wheel restoration place will charge to straighten them out.

I was also looking at my spare engine. I’d like to use the left since it has no chain rash. The one on the trike, which may be original, has rash. The donor may be an 85 engine… I have the serial from it but don’t know how to decode. Assuming it is an 85 and the trike has its 86 engine, will the left case half interchange?

[J!m]

Here’s the spare engine number if someone can decode it for me.

[dirtwheels]

You are correct. That is a 1985 engine. The engine serial numbers for 1985 went from TE08E-5000042 - TE08E-5025557.
1986 engines begin with TE80E-5100010

[J!m]

Thank you!

I have the piston and cylinder ( head too) off this 85 engine and I’m going to check the bore and piston OD against the workshop manual to determine if it’s serviceable. Is there any issue dropping this into my (assumed to be) 86 engine? I think the part number is the same but I haven’t confirmed that.

Idea being swapping the top end is a lot easier than a full rebuild and should address the smoking. I do want to use the 85 left case half to address the chain suck issues on the 86 engine. That may be a larger interchange problem than I foresee the jug being.

Any insight appreciated!

[BOB MARLIN]

Small differences in the 85 and 86 engines. Off the top of my head, I can think of the clutch actuator, the stator and flywheel set up and the 86 head has improved oiling for the cam area.
If it were me, since you are going to have to take the top end apart anyway, fix the '86 parts and put them back on.

[dirtwheels]

You can also reference this thread for lists of differences between 85 and 85 350X’s.

https://www.3wheelerworld.com/showth...-86-honda-350x

[J!m]

I miced up the 85 parts and they’re like new. Every dimension in spec and all parts really clean. Wrist pin (on size) has a gorgeous feel as it slips into the piston. Nice parts!

Second ring appears squared off so it needs rings, but otherwise excellent.

[J!m]

Stuff is filtering in…

[J!m]

Got a set of original handlebars a new switch because mine is an 85 switch.

Also some tools.

Just got notice my parking brake cable will come today too.

[Red Rider]

Stuff is filtering in…

Pun intended?

Got a set of original handlebars a new switch because mine is an 85 switch.
Also some tools.
Just got notice my parking brake cable will come today too.

Let the fun begin!

[J!m]

It's been beginning!

Big order from Partzilla has shipped- naturally I found a few things to add after that...
NOS Parking cable was (supposedly) delivered today as well. They had a new right lever but not a left.. Found an NOS left lever bit it's about $100... some of this stuff is as expensive as my Freestyle bike parts!
Front wheel bearings and tapered steerer tube bearings are in. Plan is to pull the front apart and put it back together as good as new. I have some slop/play somewhere in the front- I haven't positively identified where from yet, but either way I figure new bearings are rarely a bad investment.

I took a few minutes over the weekend to beat upon the rear wheels... these are not going to be easy to straighten out. I may bring them into work and rig them up on the press rather than beating on them. I don't need "perfect" but at least straighten them up a bit before nice new tires go on. Unless I come across nicer rears. (The front is really nice and just needs a bath).

Spending a lot of quality time in the parts fiche to see what crosses. A lot of 200X parts come along, look close to correct, so I have to check numbers to be sure. How close is close? Like are all digits/letters important in identification of the parts? I haven't quite deciphered the Honda number scheme yet to understand that.

[Red Rider]

A lot of 200X parts come along, look close to correct, so I have to check numbers to be sure. How close is close? Like are all digits/letters important in identification of the parts? I haven't quite deciphered the Honda number scheme yet to understand that.

Unless the part #'s are identical, or a superseded part #, I would be leary of proper fitment. But, if you've got it on good faith, from a trusted individual, that knows it will work, then by all means, please proceed.

[J!m]

Yeah I was hoping there was a rhyme or reason to the numbers to help determine that…

[Red Rider]

Yeah I was hoping there was a rhyme or reason to the numbers to help determine that…

There is to a point. I've noticed certain sections of bikes will all have similar part #'s, kind of like how they are divided into sections on the parts fiche. But, I haven't noticed any rhyme or reason to them, to be able to determine interchangeability, like you are talking about. Maybe someone else has broken the code?