Topic: 550 engine top rebuild

[famoussas1]

Its prime summer riding here in Indiana been putting miles on my 550. think its got about 35k on her. she puffs oil probably needs new rings, etc..but im no expert.
want to wait til fall/winter to do a top end rebuild...but im not too confident in ripping it apart and getting it back together on my own.
crossed my mind, what if i bought a 550 engine to rip apart in my spare time and rebuild on my own clock, while riding the hell outta
my oil puffing engine?  ive seen some 550 engines for 100-150 dollars, is this a good idea or worth my time or what?  need some
expert honda advice.


travis

[Frostyboy]

The way I look at it is when you buy a 2nd hand engine, you're also buying a 2nd hand transmission, clutch, alternator etc. All of these are really unknowns.
I would probably prefer to rebuild the one I have, provided all else is working well.
btw, isn't 35k a bit early to be smokey? Maybe it was rusted up  sometime. Mine has 99 thousand km on the clock & still burns as clean as a whistle.

Don't be afraid to pull an engine down, you'll find lotsa help on here.

[Motoguy23]

if you have a basic set of metric tools and a manual, you can tear down the top end and put it back together in a weekend or less.  I think I can tear mine down in a matter of 2 hours. 

Tip: When putting the pistons back in the bore, I've found that you can just take a regular hose clamp and use that as a ring compressor (not too tight) and slide your jugs over the piston and they slide down and your rings are in place.

[dave500]

if yours has a good bottom end with nice shifting ect,why not buy a second motor which either runs or at least turns over,you dont want one that has seized or gone bang(unless its for a six pack),then have that top end re bored and what ever,then at your leisure transplant the top end into your bike,,this can be done with the engine in the frame,,then you have a spare bottom end you can take apart and see how it works,put it back together once or twice as a learning thing,and have spare gears and clutch etc if you need them?youll also end up with your original top end as spares you know arent damaged,only worn.

[Tugboat]

+1 - get another one.. a known-runner if you can.