tranny problem & upgrades
Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:30 am
Jeff:
It is very tempting (685) until I step back and look at my larger economic situation - I have to replace the motor in my truck this month. It's a Mopar 4.7L V8 with overhead cams, etc - not an easy one to attempt locally. The early versions (mine is a 2000) were notorious for head gasket issues - I have no radiator system pressure, and therefore, engine temp is all over the place. Great local driver but no trailers or trips without overheating. I also have a lot of piston slap from the years of high speed trailering. So, I'm getting a remanufactured engine but ... Jasper $4,500, ATK $3,700 - $2,900, others are $2,300 - $3,200 plus $1,000 to install - prices are all over the place and so are the horror stories. I want to do a factory visit in Maryland to check out this one operation to see if they are real, know what they are doing, has a good product (checking references), and has a traditional warranty versus a financial swap arrangement with an off-shore insurance company in the Grand Caymans. I also need a new heavy-duty clutch while the engine is out (120K hard miles on this 5sp 4x4 rig that carried a few deer out on jeep trails).
I'll probably scuff up the exisitng cylinder walls for a few bucks and go from there. I was having a lot fun at 651cc with that heavy OEM piston before the tranny problem. The 'other Jeff' has an '08 which the dealer paid for the labor and boring but he paid for the 685 kit, so I'm reminded on most rides how nice the 685 is and continues to get better. I'm too 'Dutchy' to spring for it right now. Maybe at 40K - 50K on the clock.
Right now I'm glad I can ride the R100 to satisfy my addiction.
Don R100, A6F
--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jeff Saline wrote: > > On Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:14:30 -0000 "spike55_bmw" > writes: > > I just posted some pics of where I'm at in this end of the season > > repair, maintenance, and upgrades. The bike has 22.6K and started > > to get stuck between gears, metal to metal grinding while in idle, > > and then it started to have split-second lock ups of the back > > wheel. > > > > I'm working through the gear clusters, shifting forks, cam drum, > > shifting pawl, and indexing star wheel (probably not the right names > > but you know what I mean). You have to split the motor open (6 > > layers make up the crankcase). Kind of interesting. > > > > I had entertained the thought of refreshing the cylinder / piston > > while apart. If I go one step, and bore it out by 0.5mm. I could > > use Kawi equipment but I'm probably over $200 for a piston, maybe a > > wrist pin & clips, rings, base gasket, and the bore job. It was > > getting tempting to go with a 685 kit which is approx. $250 plus > > you'd have to add the higher cost of boring out 2mm vs 0.5mm. In > > the end, my OEM stuff is well within spec, doesn't burn oil below 75 > > mph, and it is more prudent to wear out what I have now. > > > > While the KLR is 'gut-less', I'm pulling the swing arm and linkage > > parts to drill, tap, and install Zerk fittings. I should also get > > after the front forks too to clean them out and put in new oil. > > Wheel bearings too. > > > > Don R100, A6F > <><><><><><><><> > <><><><><><><><> > > Don, > > Sounds like a fun time in the shop. > > As a guy that has bored his own 685 cylinder (but let a very experienced > machinist hone it to size) I'll bet the cost difference for the two sizes > you mention is probably nothing but absolutely no more than $10. > > For all the work you're doing to the bike I suggest you really consider > the 685 kit. Don't tell your buddies about it and just mention you are > real happy with the tune-up you gave the bike. > > Every report I read about the 685 install is noticeably less vibration > and no oil use. > > I'm gonna install my 685 sometime this winter. > > Best, > > Jeff Saline > ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal > Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org > The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota > 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT > > > > . > ____________________________________________________________ > Save $10 on Flowers and Gifts! > Shop now at www.ftd.com/16714 > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=KW0rSTg5zQm6VUTjL-fjIgAAJ1DWfJIDP-R0_NC3mMpGFS0kAAIAAAAUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAVBAAAAABodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZ0ZC5jb20vMTY3MTQ= >