RX3: Engine Top End Rebuild at 22,450 Miles

[SpudRider]

Here is another tip.

When removing the engine from the frame, or replacing it, it helps a lot to have an assistant. One person can jack the engine to the proper height and help stabilize the engine on the jack. The other person can twist/tilt the engine to the proper orientation for removal/installation of the swingarm bolt.

If you make all the preparations beforehand, you will only need your assistant's help for about 15 minutes.

[humanbeing]

5.5mm wifi scope/ cam ... (USB version just dozens yuan but needs android phone...) is good for the job
Review of the 8mm http://www.thp.com.hk/forums/thdeta....rum=1&pn=96948

[2LZ]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Thank you, 2LZ.

Since the valve recession was obvious, I didn't remove any of the valves for inspection. I wanted to ship the untampered cylinder head to Gerry for his inspection. I also didn't care to do the extra work.

Is unleaded fuel required in China? I don't know. If the Chinese are still using leaded fuel, you might very well be correct. I remember reading somewhere that the Italian company, Piaggio, designed the NC250 engine. I suspect the Italians designed the engine for use with unleaded fuel.

I'm hoping my experience with this problem is a rare exception. However, I felt an obligation to warn others who might be experiencing the same problem.

One more question Spud. Lead did many things including lube the valve seats.....which is why the earlier cars were having trouble without it.

Now....I've never been one to believe in "Miracle in a Can", but I've been running that Lucas fuel treatment that CSC recommended for break in.....just because they recommended it for break-in.

Do you think this stuff really does any good and also, have you been running it in your RX3?

Here's a quote from the Lucas website.

"Lucas Fuel Treatment should definitely be used in vehicles that require leaded fuel because it actually replaces the benefits of lead in gasoline...."

Makes ya wonder.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

One more question Spud. Lead did many things including lube the valve seats.....which is why the earlier cars were having trouble without it...

I am certainly old enough to remember leaded fuel; however, I did not know that lead lubricated the valve seats. As usual, you are a wealth of information. Thanks for sharing that interesting fact about lead.

Originally Posted by 2LZ

...Now....I've never been one to believe in "Miracle in a Can", but I've been running that Lucas fuel treatment that CSC recommended for break in.....just because they recommended it for break-in.

Do you think this stuff really does any good and also, have you been running it in your RX3?

Here's a quote from the Lucas website.

"Lucas Fuel Treatment should definitely be used in vehicles that require leaded fuel because it actually replaces the benefits of lead in gasoline...."

Makes ya wonder.

No, I haven't tried any of the Lucas, fuel treatment products; however, I have been thinking about it. Lucas sells several products. I seem to remember that someone, somewhere, recommended the Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant. Walmart sells it for $3.83 in the smallest bottle (5.25 ounces).

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lucas-Oil...ingMethod=p13n



Thanks for raising this issue, 2LZ. I am going to do some research on this topic, and start a new thread regarding it.

I also seem to remember that HumanBeing reported the fuel in China is terrible. If so, one would think that any possible valve face/seat defects would be causing a lot of problems for Chinese owners of the RX3.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

...Here's a quote from the Lucas website.

"Lucas Fuel Treatment should definitely be used in vehicles that require leaded fuel because it actually replaces the benefits of lead in gasoline...."

Makes ya wonder.

I see that quote for the Upper Cylinder Lubricant at the Lucas website.

https://lucasoil.com/products/fuel-t...fuel-treatment

Walmart sells the quart bottle for $8.87. This seems to be the best value.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/16777813?...&wl13=&veh=sem

[SpudRider]

I started a thread on the Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant at the following link.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthrea...710#post253710

[BlackBike]

Spud, you are one of (if not) the best technical/process writers on this site. Csc should definitely include this in their shop information if they dont already have such a chapter. I know you just did it for the community but is worthy of compensation if they wanted to use it.

I read it all and understood it (which is good since I am not an engine mechanic )

Trouble is, the more I learn, the scarier this stuff becomes makes me wonder about purchasing something like a newly developed 450cc zong engine

[fjmartin]

That was amazing Spud. Thank you for working so hard on this tutorial. I hope to never have to use it...but if I do, it will make things a LOT easier. Take care!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by BlackBike

Spud, you are one of (if not) the best technical/process writers on this site. Csc should definitely include this in their shop information if they dont already have such a chapter. I know you just did it for the community but is worthy of compensation if they wanted to use it.

I read it all and understood it (which is good since I am not an engine mechanic )

Trouble is, the more I learn, the scarier this stuff becomes makes me wonder about purchasing something like a newly developed 450cc zong engine

Originally Posted by fjmartin

That was amazing Spud. Thank you for working so hard on this tutorial. I hope to never have to use it...but if I do, it will make things a LOT easier. Take care!

Thank you for your kind words, gentlemen.

[DanKearney]

Thanks for sharing your experience and passing on the knowledge.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[1cylinderwonder]

Spud,
Doesn't 22,450 miles seem quite early for a top end rebuild?
Was it due to inadequate maintenance, manufacturing mistake, or just bad luck?
Kind of a put off for potential buyers.

[SpudRider]

If you read the entire thread you will learn I performed the top end rebuild of the engine because of intake valve recession. This problem was not caused by inadequate maintenance; I maintain all my motorcycles very well. Regarding bad luck, I don't know how bad luck enters the equation. As I stated earlier, I must assume this problem was caused by a manufacturing defect. I hope my problem was a rare, isolated instance.

[jbfla]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

...... As I stated earlier, I must assume this problem was caused by a manufacturing defect. I hope my problem was a rare, isolated instance.

I hope it is an isolated case, too.

While out riding today, I was thinking that most recreational RX3 riders, more than likely, ride 10,000 miles a year or less.

By the time they get to Spud's mileage, the bike will be out of warranty...

jb

[jbfla]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

....I must assume this problem was caused by a manufacturing defect.......

More idle thoughts:

What is the difference between a "manufacturing defect" and just poor quality metallurgy?

Were you able to examine the valve seat once the valve was removed?

I wonder what it would cost to have a metal testing lab do an analysis?

jb

[Jay In Milpitas]

A manufacturing defect would be a piece machined wrong, not properly heat treated, or improper installation/assembly.