I’ve got this rusty old hornet that I want to totally refurb - it’s been sitting there for ages and i keep meaning to do it -hopefully i will start soon :crazy:
The bike hase endured 12 salty winters and the engine as well as having a few scrapes from offs look like it spent some time bumping along the bottom of the salty north sea.
I wan to clean, polish out scratches and repaint the exterior of the engine - which to do properly will require dismantling it I guess.
I’m at stage one in terms of bike DIY - do everything on the bike apart from engine stuff - I check clearances but leave shimming to professionals as I’m convinced if I remove the cams i’ll get the timing wrong and lunch the engine or something.
So this is my chance to excorsise my demons and get my hands dirty with a 4 cylinder CBR engine - for me it will be a masive learning experience with a bike that is going to the scrappy anyway unless i attempt the refurb - so there is nothing to lose.
Just wanted to ask how hard is it - bearing in mind i won’t be under time pressure like a pro and will have plenty of time to check i have got the cams in the right sequence etc. when I put it back together.
FWIW; I have dismantled and rebuilt more than one bike engine. I made a few minor screw-ups, things like using gasket sealer on the headgasket, but nothing terminal. Mr Haynes, a decent socket set, a torque wrench and patience will take you a long way. I did lots of plug/socket/bolt/nut labeling which made life easier. Always crank it over by hand and ensure a ready supply of beer. Google is very handy for additional information when Mr Haynes fails.
Ahhh man this is in my list of things to do, soon!
What I was planning to do, was get an old engine off eBay and do that, then slot it into the old chassis. Then sell the other engine.
I think the tough thing is having to check all the crank bearing tolerances, where you have to put the little plastic slither in the bearing seat, tighten everything up to torque spec, then take it all apart again to see if the crank bearing wear is within tolerance.
I’ve heard about people sandblasting and cleaning engines from the outside whilst still assembled, but I’ve also heard stories of the grit working its’ way into the engine…
Good luck though, let us know what you do with it?
Knowing that Mrs Scorch doesn’t read these posts, I can also tell you that the humble domestic dishwasher makes an excellent parts washer and degreaser.
If you do decide to go through with it - PICTURES, and lots of them. I’m sure quite a few people here would appreciate it, and could be a great help for those starting out as well.
