Hi all

I have been having lots of issues with blowing head gaskets using the chinese top end kit, so I sent my OEM down to LT80 who got it bored and set me up with all suzuki parts. I tore into the top end tonight and noticed the piston had started to fall apart. I did switch to mixed gas and a hotter plug to get rid of the fouling so mabe that contributed. But before I install the new suzuki top end, I am concerned about the connecting rod (see attached video link)


The other pics are the piston. The head had some debris on it but I think I can salvage it.

Is the rod supposed to have this much play?

 

I'm sure LT80 will be along shortly, but that isn't how you measure play in the big end. It is up and down movement you check for, not side to side.

 

In the video I can move it up and down , I just don't know how much is too much. I figured I would ask before I install the new top end.

 

That's too much!!! Bad crank.
Minimal side to side is normal but when i'ts that loose it will go up and down. Any up and down movement is no good.
All the pitting on the piston makes me think one or the other rod bearings came apart.

 

ugh. ok I'll take the bottom end apart. What do I need? I ordered both bearings for the rod, but maybe I should just buy the rod kit (Hot Rod Connecting rod kit)

 

I think you should buy a new or good used crankshaft.
The lil crankshafts are a real pain to get together straight when re-built. I've been asked to rebuild a crank. I won't do it but that's just me.

 

I ordered a new one, thanks for the advice.

 

You are correct Jack sir. The lower bearing came apart.

Now I wait for parts

 

I noticed last night the crank bearings aren't spinning smooth, I guess some material got in there as well. Guess I'll be changing those again. This thing should run well with the new crank, top end, bearings.

 

So it ran with the new bearings in it? I'd prolly try to clean them out.