To split or not to split... that is the question!

[pete]

Hey all,

Just deciding whether or not to split my crankcases.

The head is off and it's at the point where I almost can, but I'm not sure if I should.

The problem is that if I don't really push hard into sixth, it drops back to fifth under acceleration, and very occassionally, it will do this from fifth to fourth as well.

It's an '81 GS450 (see my www link for pic's and details).

Any suggestions? There's really not much else wrong that I'm aware of in this regard.

Also, I'm deciding whether to polish the engine or paint it black, main problem with polishing is the time to maintain the shine. I know it's not really a tech question, but thought I'd put it here with my real tech question :-)

Any thoughts greatly appreciated on both questions!

Cheers,

Pete

[hungryman]

If you have transmission problems (and want to fix them) then you don't have a choice. You're almost there anyway, so don't stop now.

Onward Christians soldiiiiieeeeerrrrrrssssss. (Singing as I walk away with a bit of a swagger). 8)

[jgordon]

Re: To split or not to split... that is the question!

Hey all,

Just deciding whether or not to split my crankcases.

The head is off and it's at the point where I almost can, but I'm not sure if I should.

The problem is that if I don't really push hard into sixth, it drops back to fifth under acceleration, and very occassionally, it will do this from fifth to fourth as well.

It's an '81 GS450 (see my www link for pic's and details).

Any suggestions? There's really not much else wrong that I'm aware of in this regard.

Also, I'm deciding whether to polish the engine or paint it black, main problem with polishing is the time to maintain the shine. I know it's not really a tech question, but thought I'd put it here with my real tech question :-)

Any thoughts greatly appreciated on both questions!

Cheers,

Pete

You really need to fix the tranny...Hate to see you ruin your motor when the little pieces of metal starts banging around in there

I powdercoated my motor when I had it apart and it doesn't look half bad and it holds up better that the spray can job

[pete]

Thanks guys.

I'm thinking now that splitting would be the best. Also, it gives me a chance to clean and possibly paint or powdercoat the engine as well.

I think it's probably best so I can give it a good clean out too, like you mentioned jgordon, it'll let me get any crap out of there before it kills it!

BTW, how was the price of powdercoating vs painting?

[Roadwarrior]

I polished my cases to the point of med steel wool. After I wash the bike (rarely) I give the cases a quick buff with the steel wool, and I'm done. I takes about as long as it take for me to write this, and the cases look great.

[pete]

Thanks Roadwarrior, that's my whole concern with the painting/polishing choice. Time for maintenance...

These days, I've barely got time to even think about touching the bike, and I have to get it rebuilt yet!! Have to finish pulling it apart first actually...

Anyway, the point being, once it's on the road, I don't want to have to chose between going for a ride and polishing the engine up. That'd suck more than having it in pieces.

So I guess if it's only a quick touch up every now and then, it'd be the best option (especially cost wise) compared with painting/powdercoating, not to mention whether or not powdercoating does in fact make it run hotter. I still haven't officially found an answer to that yet, maybe I won't have to :-)

Anyway, this is now way off topic of technical info, sorry about that!

[jgordon]

Thanks Roadwarrior, that's my whole concern with the painting/polishing choice. Time for maintenance...

These days, I've barely got time to even think about touching the bike, and I have to get it rebuilt yet!! Have to finish pulling it apart first actually...

Anyway, the point being, once it's on the road, I don't want to have to chose between going for a ride and polishing the engine up. That'd suck more than having it in pieces.

So I guess if it's only a quick touch up every now and then, it'd be the best option (especially cost wise) compared with painting/powdercoating, not to mention whether or not powdercoating does in fact make it run hotter. I still haven't officially found an answer to that yet, maybe I won't have to :-)

Anyway, this is now way off topic of technical info, sorry about that!

Powdercoating doesn't make it run hotter.

Powdercoating is durable and low maintenance.

I don't know how much for powdercoating in your area, mine cost a couple hundred bucks but it gives it a different look.