threepots head job

[bemusedinsojo]

The ones on the radiator. Did you lose any coolant out of them? After I saw yours I went out and checked mine to see if I have that epic rust.

What were the screws to that you had to cut on the head?

[threepot]

That's the oil cooler. Not fitted to the Tiger. The oil pipes were on the verge of blowing,due to rust! One broke as soon as I pulled away from its mounting!The metal water pipe to the pump is also badly corroded.
The remainder of the front screws can be seen in the photo. I'm hoping I can screw them out?
I'm going to have to spend a bit to get it back,more than I thought. But it's been a good bike in the 18yrs I've had it,only needing a crank sensor,and just basic maintenance,so I can't complain. It is 21 yrs old after all.

[bemusedinsojo]

My answer to the sctew removal is WD-40 and vise grips.  Tell me how the head job goes. Are you refurbishing it yourself or taking it to a machine shop?

[threepot]

I'll make a start on the head later. A friend has got a set of inlet valves for me. Just hope the 'seats' are OK?

[Bixxer Bob]

I snapped more than one torx when doing the Girly head (three I think).  I was talking about it to Clive Woods and he said it happens all the time so don't feel you are alone mate.

[threepot]

I snapped more than one torx when doing the Girly head (three I think).  I was talking about it to Clive Woods and he said it happens all the time so don't feel you are alone mate.

Cheers Bob. A lesson learned I think! The torx set a friend loaned looked nice,but unbranded! Obviously not up to the job. Just spending a small amount on quality tools ,and doing it right first time,can save you long term


Bob,what kind of valve compressor did you use? There are a few types?

[threepot]

Seeing as I've got to take the cylinder liners out to reseal with Hylomar,I thought about cleaning the pistons? They can be cleaned by soda or vapour blasting.


Theres a company near to me that can do it. Not sure of cost,but they can clean the head also?

Should be able to get pistons off easily,and new gudgeon pins are cheap to replace.
What do you think?

[Sin_Tiger]

  leave the baking soda in the packet.

[threepot]

Pistons cleaned up really well with wd40,and a bit of elbow grease. But,liners won't budge! Tried gently tapping around edges to try and break seal ,and wd40 between them 

[Sin_Tiger]

I forget who it was here that came up with the idea but you might want to try an expanding drain pipe plug with a longer handle and rocking it in a circular motion, some heart from a convection heater on the outside of the casing won't do any harm.

[threepot]

Worth a try ST? Their so 'snug',I'm sure I could've left them? But after trying to get them out,got my doubts now? Not sure how much movement breaks the seal?     Also,Didn't expect the pistons to clean up so well in situ.

[Timbox2]

Once youve gone that far you might as well reseal em, you wouldnt half kick yourself if you put it back together and had a leak. Hylomar is such a lovely shade of blue anyway, you might come over all Van Gogh

[Sin_Tiger]

Bugger but like you say, too risky. Try the plug with the piston low and gently bump it.

[Sparky]

Pistons cleaned up really well with wd40,and a bit of elbow grease. But,liners won't budge! Tried gently tapping around edges to try and break seal ,and wd40 between them 

As opposed to mine with no sealant the pistons pushed the liners up when the engine was turned over 

[threepot]

Apparently 2 screwdriver handles or similar either side as levers might do it? Can't see how Hylomar can bond that much? And liners and bolts are very clean..no rust.