1980 LG Need Engine or Transmission Repair

[geneborg]

I have a '80 LG Midnight Special which had a bad first gear. A friend tried to fix it and I now have a box of transmission parts. My mistake was not trying to do the transmission myself. I may still try to get it all together again but trying to put something together that someone else took apart often does not work. This bike is really clean and I would like to get it back on the road. Anyone near the Tampa Bay area of FL that could provide assistance?
Or What other engines would fit the bike and its electrical harness. The Vin# is (4H3-002022) Many engines would fit but my concern would be that the wiring harness fits. Would the other 1980(s) ie the G and SG engines fit the harness? How about the 1981 models? I am pretty sure that the '78-79 engines are different electrically.
Any and all suggestions and advice welcome. Or anyone with a spare engine that would fit the harness of the bike.
gene borg in West Central FL

[fredintoon]

Grasp the nettle!

I have a '80 LG Midnight Special which had a bad first gear. A friend tried to fix it and I now have a box of transmission parts. My mistake was not trying to do the transmission myself. I may still try to get it all together again but trying to put something together that someone else took apart often does not work. This bike is really clean and I would like to get it back on the road. Anyone near the Tampa Bay area of FL that could provide assistance?
Or What other engines would fit the bike and its electrical harness. The Vin# is (4H3-002022) Many engines would fit but my concern would be that the wiring harness fits. Would the other 1980(s) ie the G and SG engines fit the harness? How about the 1981 models? I am pretty sure that the '78-79 engines are different electrically.
Any and all suggestions and advice welcome. Or anyone with a spare engine that would fit the harness of the bike.
gene borg in West Central FL

Hi Gene,
first read the book. You can download it for free from the signature line on any of Catatonic Bug's posts and print the pages you need.
Then use the list search function to look for "second gear fix" to find a whole bunch of questions, answers, stories of triumph and tales of woe so you can learn from other members experiences.
Every fix that involves swapping in a different engine rather than fixing your own tranny will cost more, involve more work, leave your MNS with a non-stock engine that will lower the bikes value and you will have no idea short of a road test if your new tranny works properly.

[CatatonicBug]

Definitely don't swap out the engine on a MNS unless absolutely necessary! What you have is a 2nd gear fix (1st in your case) in-process. Just pick up where it's been left off, and finish the job. The whole job, start to finish, takes about 4-6 hours, depending on experience. It's really not that hard. Just stick with it and take your time.

Although, there are several Floridians who might be able to lend a hand...

[DGXSER]

First of all, how did he go into the tranny, did he split the cases or pull the gears out through the tranny pan? How much did he remove?

If you have pics of the parts you have we can probably help you get them back together as they should be.

Pulling the engine is not nearly as complicated as on something like a 2009 Cadilac, but it still is not nearly as simple as you might wish it were. Like Fred stated, swapping the known for the unknown is sometimes asking for more trouble than you have. It is amazing what some people will pawn off and call it a "good engine".

I'm not that big of a MNS fan, so I do not see the "value" issue of swapping the engines out, I myself would never pay more to have a MNS than a Special or a standard though.

[CatatonicBug]

I'm not that big of a MNS fan, so I do not see the "value" issue of swapping the engines out

It's because it's no longer a true MNS unless it's a MNS engine (properly painted, with the right Serial number). Of course, I'm a bit biased.

[DGXSER]

It's because it's no longer a true MNS unless it's a MNS engine (properly painted, with the right Serial number). Of course, I'm a bit biased.

I understand that Bug, I just do not think the MNS is worth a penny more than a Special or a Standard. JMHO, YMMV.

[fredintoon]

I understand that Bug, I just do not think the MNS is worth a penny more than a Special or a Standard. JMHO, YMMV.

Hi DGX,
cost, price, worth and value are four different things although most folks use them interchangeably.
What 'Bug and I are saying is that a complete MNS will sell for more money than a Standard or a Special or an MNS with an orphan motor.
That you wouldn't pay the extra to get one is another matter.