It is not that it necessarly breaks...Things just wear out. For example, I just replaced all the a-arm bearings with bushings. That alone cost me $76.00. Plus I spend another $75 from Rocky Mountain on misc (crankcase oil, oil mix, etc).

After this weekend, I just noticed that my right side wheel bearing are getting loose and my rear brakes are getting low. Those repairs will cost me $60. I will also be doing a top end rebuild here shortly (preventative maintenance). That'll be another $150. It adds up quick.

I am pretty **** about repairs. If you take care of the quad, it will take care of you.

 

If the crank has not been rebuilt in a machine that old beware of an impending lower connecting rod bearing failure!!!! Cost for a new Wiseco crank on Ebay is about $175.

 

About how many hours do you run before replacing the bearings and rings?

 

When it comes to the top-end, I usually go by compression. When mine gets less than 100psi...its time. I have used the theory for many 2-strokes and have not had a problem (of course the psi will very depending on machine). I also do several Chop/plug tests through-out the year. This will let me know how my jetting is and then I adjust accordingly. If your jetting is off, you can do some serious damage.


The bottom-end is different. I keep an eye on the crank bearing for any play. I also listen to how the engine runs.

Everyone will have a different opinion but these practices have worked for me.

The key to reliability is preventive maintenance. Change crankcase oil often with a good oil (I use Gear Saver 80w) and make sure your gas mix oil is a good synthetic. Don't use the crap at walley world.

 

So how often do you check compression? Do you check the crank bearing play when you do your top end?

 

I do compresstion checks about 6 times a year. Or depending on amount of riding.

When you have the top end off, you can check for rod bearing play and crank bearing play. However, I usually pull the stator cover off and check the crank bearings that way. Usually twice a year.

Also, the more you ride these old 2-strokes, you almost become one with it. You will be able to recognize when something is not right.

Ugly, you need to get it in your garage and rejett the carb and then go riding. You will enjoy it.

 

What will a rebuild cost if I do it myself and do not need any machining done? Ball park figure.

 

$100-120, thats for a piston kit and a set of top end gaskets.

 

Thanks For the great replies. Is there a steele sleeve for the bore or is there just the block?

 

Theirs a sleeve, and when you rebuild it you might have to go over bore a size, to like a 255cc or something along those lines.