Bringing Back an '81

[Geropat]

I had been looking around for a cheap donor engine without much luck, so I decided to split the case and see if this was going to be something I could repair...It is definitely not going to be worth it.

[robin1731]

A couple pics on the way to Thunder Bay.... and back

Never a good idea to transport a bike on the side stand or the center stand. But at least you got it home.

[Geropat]

A couple pics on the way to Thunder Bay.... and back

Never a good idea to transport a bike on the side stand or the center stand. But at least you got it home.

I didn't know that, but yes glad it is home.

[Rednaxs60]

Here's a wiring diagram to install a manual rad fan switch. Use mine in the summer while driving in the city/stop and go. Have an indicator light:

Rad switch schematic.jpeg

[NotSoLilCrippseys]

Ouch. That's a pretty catastrophic rod failure, it seems. Did you overheat that badly? Oil starvation? Hmm.

Sorry.

Staying positive, I'm sure there'll be an 1100 up for sale at a great price - and somewhere near you. Someone will get tired of looking at that dusty, old, perfectly fine but long-abandoned and oh-so-80s Wing sitting in the corner of the shed or garage. It'll be missing things like the left side cover, probably have some issue with the starter, and the tires will be shot. It's the dead of winter, and the owner will be looking to clear it out before spring. Nobody else will be interested because, well, it's winter. But the motor will come back to life in your hands.

[robin1731]

Ouch. That's a pretty catastrophic rod failure, it seems. Did you overheat that badly? Oil starvation? Hmm.

That looks more like it filled the cylinder with coolant. Piston goes up, coolant doesn't compress, next weakest part is the rod. Then a few rotations of the crank and it starts disassembly. Not in a pretty/good/easy way.

[Rat]

Head gasket ?

Gord

[Rednaxs60]

Ouch!

[Geropat]

I’m not sure what actually caused the failure, but I know it’s smoked and that the easiest solution is a new engine. I’ve had my eye on a few bikes, ended up getting a running 1980 interstate for $500 so I feel good about that.

[Geropat]

just a quick update...donor engine installed. I've been having a great time exploring this beautiful country of Canada

[NotSoLilCrippseys]

Yes! It really is a great looking bike.

[Track T 2411]

Sweet! Enjoy the ride!

[Whiskerfish]