Opinions Please

[prometheus578]

Yes, Wiz.
From my automotive days, as well.
Now, we're talkin' high mileage vehicles, where the rings have worn so much of the cylinder wall away, that one must first ream the original cylinder wall(metal ridge) away before actually being able to get the piston's out.
Bikes, except some selected ones here, usually have incredibly low mileage considering their age. I don't think I've ever run across a cylinder with a metal ridge. (at least one that could be seen, or even felt with a finger tip.
Carbon rings are the same. There should be no ill effects in removing them.

Yes, I know that it's often hard to discern the "true" meaning of what I write, and most people shy away from disagreeing with me out of fear(as it should be, anyway!), but I'm serious.
If someone really knows the "Secret of the Rings", please share it.

[oseaghdha]

Urban Legend

Does not make sense.
As Prom said, up until the piston reaches TDC any carbon ring would not do anthing as far as sealing is concerned. There may be some small reduction in blowby at ignition, but the time spent at TDC is so small any benefit would be negligible.

Fact is, the carbon ring would grow into the quench area and therefore be deleterious. (There's a $3.00 word for ya.)
When I worked at an industrial engine mfg, they were trying to come up with a method to scrape that area during operation to prevent build up.

I have read about the water injection theory and have tried it on automobiles. Had no way to evaluate the results.
You do need to change the plugs after the treatment.

[79XS11F]

Well It looks like I have my answer. I will in deed leave this factory sealed unit as is and run some sea foam or other carbon reducing product through the bike. My concern was that if I opened it up to clean it out and lost the carbon ridge the bike might burn oil or smoke which it is currently not doing. I high school a LONG time ago I remember being told not to remove that carbon ridge unless the cylinders were going to be at least honed.
I believe the carbon build up is the end result of how the PO of this bike used it. It was "Harley-ed" it so to speak. The bike was likely lumbered around in the upper gears a lot regardless of speed and RPM. The engine has just over 34000 KM on it so I was somewhat surprised to see such high compression numbers.
With this decision made I can focus on cleaning up that engine real good and my total rebuild will go that much faster.
Thanks guys
Rob

[Czekus21]

Along with cleaning the inside, Ya may also want to clean the outside. ( under side ) this area is usually neglected, and by cleaning all the gunk , will help your motor run better.
Now before I'm attacked, Think about it. The motor was not designed to be gunked up. Stuff cakeing in the cooling fins will act as an insulator and help the motor run hotter. Sooo,,,,,steam clean, degreaser, toothbrush,, Whatever, clean the inside BUT don't forget the outside. PLUS the motor will look better.

[prometheus578]

"Ah, Czekus... you saved yourself at the last minute."

I was about to pounce, till I read your second paragraph.
True, gunk prevents the engine from cooling. And as you mentioned, isn't that the idea behind the fins?
One of the silliest things that I often encounter, (though not on our bikes) is when owners strap on those leather tool pouches... right against the front of the regulator/recifier blocking the cooling airflow, and then wonder why their charging systems fail.

[trbig]

Don't listen to Czekus... All that grease and oil on mine helps it slide through the air better! Plus, that extra layer on the fins helps it stay at the proper operating temps when I ride it in the cold weather! Now... wanna see my pig fly?!? (Any cracks about my wife will be dealt with severely!)


Tod

[prometheus578]

ahhahaaha!

If she ever reads that, TRBIG, I'll bet there will be plenty of things flyin'... all aimed at yer head!

[79XS11F]

My intention is to chemically clean the insides out over time using one of the mentioned products in this thread. The outside of the engine is already very clean including the underside. That's due to the glass beading that was done to remove the black spray paint that was on the engine when I got the bike. A detail cleaning of the entire engine will however be needed before i mount it in the frame.
This bike even as a fully restored version will be used every day, weather permitting, until my personal version is ready. That could be as late as in the fall.
Rob