Sand in engine block; what should I do?

[RedBolide]

I am in the process of reassembling the engine of a 1981 GS850. I've never worked on a motorcycle before, so I've been answering most of my questions through my service manual and this forum. However, I came across an issue that I haven't seen posted. I was about to work on cleaning up the mating surface on top of the block when I noticed there was some sand inside the block. I tried to show the sand in the picture below. There isn't a lot, but it is definitely still there. I scraped some of it out. It is definitely sand, not metal. The entire bike was covered in sand when I got it, but I didn't expect to see it inside the block. What should I do? Can I fill the block with water and rinse it out, or would that damage/corrode components? If not water, what should I do? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[rapidray]

The CORRECT fix is to split the cases, disassemble everything, & clean everything WELL before reassembly.
Ray.
Ray.

 

[uk gs nut]

I would agree to that !

 

[RedBolide]

Is it possible to fix this problem without splitting the case? I know that it's not ideal to continue with reassembly without opening everything up, but I'm on a very tight deadline for finishing the bike. Is cleaning the block with water then properly draining everything an option?

 

[Agemax]

listen to the advice, you will not clean it out properly without splitting the cases. sand will destroy your engine in no time at all.

 

[jsandidge]

Even if you were able to get all the sand out without splitting the cases, I would never use water.

 

[Nessism]

Can you scoop out the debris? Use a cloth wet with mineral spirits to collect it out? After you get out all you can then pull the oil pan and use something like brake cleaner to try to wash the rest of the debris down and out the bottom of the engine.

It's common for some debris to fall into the engine when pulling off the cylinder and using this technique helps save a full tear down. You gotta keep the sand away from the roller bearings though.

 

[bonanzadave]

The CORRECT fix is to split the cases, disassemble everything, & clean everything WELL before reassembly.
Ray.
Ray.

Cant argue with experience...but if you decide on plan B id find somewhere you could completely submerge and flush the whole thing in parts wash / solvent.

 

[tatu]

Can you scoop out the debris? Use a cloth wet with mineral spirits to collect it out? After you get out all you can then pull the oil pan and use something like brake cleaner to try to wash the rest of the debris down and out the bottom of the engine.

It's common for some debris to fall into the engine when pulling off the cylinder and using this technique helps save a full tear down. You gotta keep the sand away from the roller bearings though.

This and maybe flush with paraffin, kerosene or diesel being aware that you could be flushing sand into the bearings.

 

[GregT]

Even if you were able to get all the sand out without splitting the cases, I would never use water.

I would - and do - use hot soapy water. Best thing for cleaning barrels after honing - and cases after bead blasting.
Followed up with a high pressure solvent rinse and blow dry prior to assembly.

Any sign of sand that may have got in IMO means a full strip and clean out.

 

[storm 64]

My question is, how could that much sand get inside the engine in the first place? Interesting...

 

[Steve]

..., but I'm on a very tight deadline for finishing the bike.

Does that "tight deadline" include enough time to take the engine apart AGAIN, and replacing even MORE parts after finding up that you screwed it up by not doing it properly the first time?

Deadlines are meant to be pushed and changed, it all depends on whether you want it done RIGHT.

All I can say is "I'm glad it's not MY bike you are making that decision with". :-k

.

 

[uk gs nut]

My thoughts are, time is free. Parts and gaskets are not !

 

[tkent02]

My question is, how could that much sand get inside the engine in the first place? Interesting...

It falls in when the cylinders are raised up. There is always some crud in between the four center cylinder studs. They are open to the airflow between the cooling fins so some sand, dirt, rust or whatever is always in there. Sometimes more than others, but it's hard to get the cylinders off with the engine in the frame without dumping it in. If you set the engine on it's front and slide the cylinders off horizontally the sand falls out the front, not into the case.

If I was short on time I might set the whole engine upside down in the parts washer, remove the oil pan and rinse it with solvent as you turn the crank slowly but the odds of getting it all out are slim.
Splitting the cases and doing it right isn't really that big of a deal.

 

[portdave]

I have an extra 81 850 engine that needs a head gasket replaced. It was in a bike and ran strong. Only had about 15k on it.

 

[bwringer]

I have an extra 81 850 engine that needs a head gasket replaced. It was in a bike and ran strong. Only had about 15k on it.

Yep, a different bottom end might be the best way to get back on the road ASAP.


Splitting the cases isn't as big a deal as you think it is. That said, you really should have a good bit of experience under your belt and plenty of time available so you're not rushing through anything.

 

[Guest]

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