Originally posted under the 3-wheeler section but didn't receive any answers. Maybe this category gets more looks.

First post but it looks like this is the place for answers. I was given a submerged 82 honda 200 big red, only string, I had to pull it out of the river. Under for at least a week. I plan on rebuilding the top end. I found a service manual on-line and have started to crack open the bottom end.I'm getting in a little deep though. Don't have any of the special tools necessary.

Any advice on how far I need to tear it down? How about the electrical...generator and CDI. What should I expect.

Found silt inside the outer covers but now that I'm closer to the internals seems like a light water oil mix and very fine metal wear, which I would expect as the owner was not very good with maintenance.

Any help is appreciated

Mark

 

a complete motor teardown/ rebuild is needed. even then i wouldnt guarentee anything after it has been under a week. probly need to check/ clean all connecters too.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I've torn it down just short of cracking the center case. Originally wanted to get that far and just use some solvent to clean things out. Now planning on pulling the crank so I can have a look at the rod bearings. Pretty happy so far, no rust at all on the interior. No slit inside either.

Planning on measuring everything and hopefully the lower half is ok. If so planning a rebuild for the upper and we'll see what happens.

Did find a bit of fine metal in the sub-transmission, like metal flake paint. Suppose thats to be expected in a 25 year old machine.

Still worried about the stator and CDI.

 

i sank my 84 big red back in 1988 when i tried to float acorss a pond as i was only 120lbs back then, it floated for a while then flipped upside down. It stayed there for a few days before I was able to rope it to the bank without anyone finding out. All i did was let it dry for a week and drained the rear axle, fuel, and the oil twice and it started up and still runs fine today

 

Since I have it broken down I think I'll rebuild the top end. The rest of it looks fine.