Author Topic: should i replace the rings?  (Read 787 times)

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Offline worlddrum13

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should i replace the rings?
« on: April 23, 2011, 07:19:45 AM »
so im in the process of pulling my motor to do head gasket and clean it up a bit. its a 75' 750 with 23000 on it. i dont know the history of the motor before i got it. it doesnt smoke other than the first few seconds of starting it up. the reason i ask is i dont want to have to do all this work again in a couple of years. the motor (as im sure u all know) isnt the easiest thing to pull out. and well its out, does anyone have any suggestions for other maintenance for it?
75 750 k6

Offline wrenchmuch

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Re: should i replace the rings?
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2011, 08:51:41 AM »
Sometimes taking the head off will allow the barrels to loosen from the base , causing a leak at the cylinder base . If the barrels are coming off then rings are a good idea . If you can't measure the bores yourself then get someone to do it for you . They need to be checked for oval , taper , and to be sure they are within spec for diameter before a decision is made to hone and re ring . Bores that are right at the limit may end up over limit by the time the new rings wear into the newly honed cylinders . While its apart consider replacing the cam chain ,and all the rubber bits ( rubber tensioner pins , rollers ,and slider ) . These pieces harden with use and age and can shed bits which will end up in the sump . The hard rubber also makes things a bit noisier . There's also the primary chain tensioner (rubber roller ) but you need to split the cases to get at it . I don't know about you but I always end up spending way more than I intended when I take things apart . Oh , I almost forgot the head (check valves , guides , seals and seats ) , maybe do a little port cleanup .
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CB750K4

Offline Stev-o

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Re: should i replace the rings?
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2011, 09:42:04 AM »
Did you check compression?
With only 23k miles, they should be still good if not abused or totally neglected.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline worlddrum13

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Re: should i replace the rings?
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2011, 09:50:51 AM »
i havent done a compression test yet, though i may today. there is an obvious hole in the gasket on the rear of cylinder 4 that got worse over last year. that was my initial reason to pull the motor.

thanks for the info
75 750 k6

Offline bryanj

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Re: should i replace the rings?
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2011, 11:16:38 AM »
Only if the ring end gap or play in the groove is excessive or over the book tolerance, but it is wise to replace all the tensioner rubber bits as previously stated and probably the cam chain with a linked one(rivet type that is!!)
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!