XRV Engine Transplant

[Lowflyer]

Well , the engine was making funny noises internally after the Paddy Dakar.
Thought it might be the clutch, spent ages investigating the clutch, clutch basket bearing etc etc. Many thanks to Lutin on xrv forum, the VFR basket bearing is identical
Finally came to the conclusion that the trouble was deep inside the motor. Pity, 97 K miles on the clock, I guess I should have taken it easy on the Paddy , but I didn't

Sooo, took the plunge and bought a second hand motor rather than break the old girl

And here we are

One very manky engine, done well considering the mileage, no complaints

One donor engine, soda blasted by moi and painted with rattle can and petrol resistant laquer, looking sweet

Empty engine bay, said a two man job, but brute strength and ignorance paid off in the end
Going to soda blast the frame and apply finish to suit.
Hoping to have her running again very shortly

 

[Lutin]

Accusing me of being useful - how will I ever live it down?


Getting busy with the spanners, eh?

What paint and lacquer did you use on the engine?

And one final question - are you going to tear down the original engine to have a look see?

 

[Philwhiskeydrinker]

Nice work John.

 

[Steve T]

Sweeeeet

 

[Lord Vader]

These pics make me dizzy. I need another coffee
Shiny engine

 

[Hamster]

Nice report, hope the patient makes a full recovery.

 

[austin]

Nice one john, spray the engine in acf50 and keep it on the shelf for a retirement project to rebuild it. Oh, and what's going on with the subframe just above the rear master cylinder. In the photo it looks like a crack but could be just the light.

 

[Lowflyer]

Cheers guys.
Just in from the garage, coming along nicely

Paint is Hammerite sprayed on in very thin layers , about 6 in total.
There is a myriad of ideas about painting, VHT etc. I used Hammerite years ago on the old engine, although you can't see it through all the grime and stood up really well throughout the years, so ok by me.
The lacquer is some old Hammerite I found lying about, put on 4 coats.

Austin, it is the light --- I hope
Gave the frame a blast with the soda gun yesterday 1st coat of paint on tonight, looking good.
Burst the plastic choke inserts on the carbs at the weekend, ordered new alloy ones from Jonathan, should be here mid week, apart from that, no major dramas -- so far!

 

[Barftone]

Nice one John. You could try blanking off the choke plugs. I have run mine like this for a couple of years and it runs sweet. Only had a problem starting once on a freezing morning after sitting for a month.

 

[OhJ]

Good one John. Good advise by Austin. The Price on @'s is going sky ward.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lowflyer]

Yeah I know,

I'm going to keep the old engine although I looked into the costs of doing up. Considering the output shaft is in bad shape and the possibility there may be more additional damage, decided to get a donor.
Who knows, might split it one day, just to justify my decision

 

[Lowflyer]

Hurrahhhhhh

She lives again
After a bit of faffing around in the garage tonight, the old girl burst into life.
I'm as chuffed as a very chuffed person.
More details tomorrow night, but right now I'm shattered, going to pour myself a very large dram to celebrate

Woooooohhooooooooooo

 

[Raymo]

yee haar

ready for more abuse

 

[Steve T]

Hoooorrrraaaahhh indeed

 

[Philwhiskeydrinker]

Well done John.
It's always nice when they burst into life.

 

[Lutin]

Wonderful. How goes the rest of the rebuild?

 

[Lowflyer]

Rebuild Tony ?
What is this word of which you speak

Not for me, my old mukka ---- rufty tufty good enoughty for me
Never intended to make it concours.
Ok, did a bit of a touch up here and there -- oooerrr missus , but , really, it's an ancient old thing in comparison to today's modern machinery, meant to be ridden and abused as it has in the past and, hopefully will be in the future.

Mr Steve T has very kindly offered to come through tomorrow and balance the carbs and a wee bit of TLC.
Something, apparently I lack ??
So with a bit of luck, should have the MOT shortly, then it's


OFF TO THE HILLS

 

[Steve T]

Tools just dusted orf and relavent spanners found, ready for fettling

 

[Lowflyer]

Well Mr T arrived today, put the gauges on the carbs, balanced perfectly, no adjustment necessary. Engine running like a swiss watch

Spent a bit of time on fitting the new chain thanks to me fitting an over size sprocket
Anyways, many thanks Steve, owe you big time

Master Fettler at work

Almost a builder's bum

Going to add all the missing panels, fuel tank etc and book the MOT shortly
All good

Cheers Steve

 

[Steve T]

Thats ARSE that is, pure ARSE

I've got to admit, that engine sounds properly fit - not a tick or a rattle anywhere = RESULT

And the sound of a fruity zorst allowing the Honda V-Twin to sing properly beats even the Arrow assisted song from my V-Strom