Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Ring Dilema

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Ring Dilema

    I replaced the lower end of my 78 Special with a used motor I picked up--the bearings on my old motor were shot. I just got my gasket set, cleaned and painted my heads, cleaned my pistons, etc. My rings look pretty worn. I would love to replace them, but at $50+ a set, I am not sure. The ring sets on Ebay seem to be more reasonable, but I am guessing these are oversized. Am I better off buying the more expensive standard rings, or going with the oversized set and lapping my cylinders?
    1979 XS1100 F
    1980 XS1100 Special--Frankenstein
    1982 XJ1100 Maxium x 2
    1980 Honda CB 900
    1981 Honda CB 900
    1981 Honda CB650x2
    2003 Honda 1300 VTX Retro-sold

  • #2
    There is no way for anyone here to actually answer that question. We simply don't have enough information!

    The only to know what NEEDS to be done is to measure the cylinder bores with a bore gauge and compare it to the service limits in the service manual. If the bores are within limits for diameter and taper, then you can get away with a rering with standard size rings and a clean up hone.

    But if the bore is out of spec, you will need to bore the cylinders and go with larger piston and rings.

    It's possible it is just the rings that are worn (hopefully!), but you won't know until you take some careful measurements.
    -- Clint
    1979 XS1100F - bought for $500 in 1989

    Comment


    • #3
      top end rebuild

      anyone know a good place to buy rings,and gasket sets for the top end..i am getting measurements tomorrow from machine shop what i actually have...just got the bike went thru carbs and tests for top end(head and valves are goood ) pistons and rings leaked down 14 on 1,2,4 and 40 on 3
      thanks in advance for any help GUMP
      windjammer gump
      bikes now own
      1981xs1100sh special
      1971 cb 350
      mini chopper project
      bikes use to own
      1978 750/four..
      1983kz1100 ltd

      Comment


      • #4
        Some of these fellas have been using the 1st. oversize sets from ebay and filing them down...

        http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FOUR-...Q5fAccessories
        2H7 (79) owned since '89
        3H3 owned since '06

        "If it ain't broke, modify it"

        Comment


        • #5
          It is nearly impossible to find standard sized nos rings, and financially out of the question when found. Oversized rings are much easier to find and much cheaper and can be filed down to fit standard pistons (i wouldn't do this with anything other than 1st oversized though). Oversized pistons are even more difficult to find than standard sized rings.

          There is also the option of the wiesco big bore kit as well, not cheap either though.
          Nathan
          KD9ARL

          μολὼν λαβέ

          1978 XS1100E
          K&N Filter
          #45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
          OEM Exhaust
          ATK Fork Brace
          LED Dash lights
          Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters

          Green Monster Coils
          SS Brake Lines
          Vision 550 Auto Tensioner

          In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

          Theodore Roosevelt

          Comment


          • #6
            The other question is how many miles have YOU put on the engine since getting her on the road?

            Lots of them smoke and burn oil after sitting and after some time that clears up and compression comes up again.
            Nathan
            KD9ARL

            μολὼν λαβέ

            1978 XS1100E
            K&N Filter
            #45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
            OEM Exhaust
            ATK Fork Brace
            LED Dash lights
            Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters

            Green Monster Coils
            SS Brake Lines
            Vision 550 Auto Tensioner

            In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

            Theodore Roosevelt

            Comment

            Working...
            X