Okay guys I have spent the last hour reading this thread it has been very entertaining and very informative I need to know what direction does the engine rotate I have a 1990 LT80

 

Looking at the fan side, it turns counter clockwise.

 

Thank you lt80 for your fast response. New parts include stator CDI/coil starter I ordered the eBay top end kit I had the same problem with the tight fit so all I used was the Rings reused the jugs head and piston as they were in good shape piston is in correctly arrow is facing the exhaust port seems to have good compression although I do not have a compression gauge I have pull start installed new spark plug with proper gap has good fire blue Spark petcock is working properly I have drained and replaced case oil with 10w40 motorcycle oil I have tried to start this thing over and over again with and without the exhaust connected all I get is a pop now and then this thing is mind-boggling and kicking my butt!

 

Also I have been through the carburetor and cleaned it meticulously more than once and inspected Reed valve everything looks to be ok

 

"reused the jugs head and piston as they were in good shape piston is in correctly arrow is facing the exhaust port seems to have good compression although I do not have a compression gauge"

Good shape..But what's the clearance. I'd go to autozone and borrow their comp gauge.

The cheapo kit rings suck. The rings are not marked. I just did 2 of them and literally had to put the rings on and remove and turn upside down if not correct.
But they do fit. I even used the squiggly ring under the bottom ring.

 

Good read. Just went threw the hole thing. Can't wait to get the grand kids bike running.

 

Lots of good ideas on this thread...just (finally) finished my PC oven and booth projects...time to start PC'ing the boy's quad...I'll probably refer back to this thread to help remember where things go!

 

guess who's back
back again
na na na

Hey fellas!
We moved from Colorado to North Idaho in 2018
It has been a long journey getting setup in the new place. Now the shop is open again and the kids are getting lots of ATV time here, we have 12 acres and tons of trails for them to mob around on.... now my son is 10, my grandson is 11 and my granddaughter is 7. They all ride.

The beloved LT80 in this thread was working great until the other day when it quit running, lost power and stopped. Shes in the shop now, tore it apart....
head gasket blew out! Cheapo chinese head gasket....so I ordered another one.
Cleaned the carb while we wait.
everything else on the bike is in great condition still!!

Im guessing the head gasket was never right since it always seemed down on power

Oh did I mention I have 7 kids quads right now?
1988 LT80
1987 LT80
1984 Badger 80
2000 TRX90
2005 Predator 90 2 stroke
2008 Outlaw 90 4 stroke
2010 Outlaw 90 4 stroke

These are all garage sale finds
I am fixing the Honda, Badger and this LT80 in the shop right now, all 3 of them need top ends!!

We are keeping 4 of these the other 3 will be for sale....

Ill post up details when I put this lt80 back together.

 

I have been contacted by a few of you guys wanting me to make more front extenders for the LT80
I am sorry it took me over 2 years to respond to the PM's! Life got in the way, we remodeled, listed and sold our CO house, moved 3 states up North and spent the last 2 years setting up the homestead and new shop.
I am now back working on machines and I am willing to build a few sets of these. So if you want some PM me, otherwise they will end up on Ebay....

 

Top end re sealed with new base and head gasket.
I found missing O ring in the intake side of things....now shes running better than ever!

I posted her for sale because I have 4 other quads I want to build including a Honda TRX90