Your moto wrenching mess ups.

kage173
Profile picture for user kage173
Posts
2942
Joined
11/27/2015
Location
TX US
kage173 10/21/2024 10:58am
10/21/2024 10:58am
FlickitFlat wrote:
Yall aint going to believe this shit.  We were kids, I was around 12 riding 80's and my neighbor was a few years older and had...

Yall aint going to believe this shit.  We were kids, I was around 12 riding 80's and my neighbor was a few years older and had an 83 CR125.  We were Jonesing to ride and he had been waiting on a top end kit for like a week after saving for it for about 3 weeks.  Seemed like half the summer.  He got the kit and it took hours to put it in.  I was waiting on him to show up so we could go riding.  I hear him start it, warm it up and cool it down.  I knew he would be coming in about 10 minutes so I get all my shit ready.  I hear him start it.  He pulls up and I had a really big jump in my front yard.  I'm sitting on my bike, helmet on ready to go.  He rolls up the driveway, looks over and gives a nod.  He swings through the yard, hits the jump 3rd gear powerband and sails it.  I remember thinking the bike sounds great.  He lands and the throttle sticks.  He couldn't kill it because he didn't hook up the kill switch and he pulls in the clutch.  Its screaming and he dumps it and kind of throws it away when he bails off.  It stands up, wobbles side to side and it takes off, upright, by itself, for about 40 yards and straight up a high wall that we used to climb.  It made it up the high wall and sails about 10 foot through the air as it cleared the top and straight into a tree.  The front wheel looped right over a limb of a maple tree and the bike hung there for what seemed like 20 seconds before it grenaded.   Insult to injury, we had to cut the tree to get the bike out, 10 foot up on the top of a 20 foot high wall.  Front fender busted, rear fender busted, radiators busted new grips ruined and blown engine.

He was so distraught over the whole thing and there was no way he was going to get to fix it again.  Luckily one of our riding friends who lived near sold him an 84 YZ 250 for $400 and the CR.        

What the hell? 😅

2
Cokeham23
Profile picture for user Cokeham23
Posts
570
Joined
3/4/2010
Location
TX US
Cokeham23 10/21/2024 11:51am
10/21/2024 11:51am

I’ve had a few… Most recently, I bought a blown up KLX140, rebuilt the motor and have been riding/racing it for 2 years. Went to change the oil and filter, pulled the oil filter cover and no filter in there. No idea how long it’s been without one. 

Went to change a shock spring, the threads were a little dirty but I’ve never had a problem getting the ring nuts off before so started to take them off. Got them almost all the way off and dirt got caught, I was in a rush so I said F it and kept going. Ruined the threads. 

Had to fix an oil leak on a 140, pulled the top end, put new oring on to fix the leak, slap the top end back together. Only thing left is the cam sprocket bolt, it’s late and I didn’t feel like looking up the torque so I just hit it with my electric impact… Snapped the bolt off in the cam. 

1
Zane
Profile picture for user Zane
Posts
37
Joined
9/10/2023
Location
Castle Rock, CO US
Zane 10/21/2024 12:57pm
10/21/2024 12:57pm
RichieW13 wrote:
About 2 years ago, I was trying to remove the rear brake pedal.  I kept trying to loosen the bolt, and it was really stiff, but...

About 2 years ago, I was trying to remove the rear brake pedal.  I kept trying to loosen the bolt, and it was really stiff, but I kept cranking.  Couldn't figure out why the bolt wouldn't come off.  Then I finally remembered there is a cotter pin on the back side of the bolt to keep it from falling out.  By cranking that bolt with a cotter pin on, I managed to strip out the threads in the frame that hold the bolt on.  Doh.

I did the same but stopped after the pin got a little bent.

1
TeamGreen
Profile picture for user TeamGreen
Posts
36477
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA US
TeamGreen 10/21/2024 3:01pm
10/21/2024 3:01pm
PNWMXer wrote:
I’ve had several Moto-related ones…but they pale in comparison to one from my Harley.For background, I’ve done all my own engine work since I started riding...

I’ve had several Moto-related ones…but they pale in comparison to one from my Harley.

For background, I’ve done all my own engine work since I started riding around age 12. One of dad’s stipulations was that I’d work on my own bike. I’ve rebuilt 2 and 4-strokes, and several engines for my 69 Camaro when I had it.

I say all that to say that when I decided to change the cam in my Harley to something a bit less sewing-machine like (M8 engine…no chop…on a Harley?!), it seemed like an easy swap. And it was, right up until I went to pull the inner cam bearing. The puller popped in like it’s supposed to…or so I thought, as it should have popped twice (once into the bearing, once out the back side). 

I began tightening, only to hear a crunch…which was the bearing cage shattering and the needle bearings coming apart.

Where did they go? Glad you asked. About half the bearings came out with the puller. The other half, and parts of the cage? Out the back, into the crankcase. 

IOW, my 2-3 hour cam swap now became a complete engine removal and teardown. Yay me.

My wife happened to come in the garage right after the bearing came apart. She said “you don’t look good.” I replied “I don’t feel good.” 😂

“How I decided to make my bike an S&S Big Bore” 🤣

1

The Shop

See All »
Kindasmoky 10/21/2024 5:59pm
10/21/2024 5:59pm

Did oil changes on the wifes bike and mine the night before going to the track. I usually ALWAYS fire them up after I do anything, but did not that time since it was late. Got to the track, got on my bike while she was still gearing up and 3 laps in she waves me down to tell me her bike sounds weird. I pinched the oil filter cover o-ring and it had been leaking like crazy. I figured it was toast and could not get my head in the game to moto while she sat at the truck so we packed up and left, hard to ride when you're thinking you have to rebuild your wifes new bike that she only put 10 hours on. It had right under a 1/2 Quart left in it, drained it and put fresh oil in it had no issues thankfully.

Lesson learned, mandatory neighborhood wheelies after I touch the bikes from now on.

1
PNWMXer
Profile picture for user PNWMXer
Posts
1706
Joined
1/13/2022
Location
Washington, WA US
PNWMXer 10/21/2024 6:57pm
10/21/2024 6:57pm
PNWMXer wrote:
I’ve had several Moto-related ones…but they pale in comparison to one from my Harley.For background, I’ve done all my own engine work since I started riding...

I’ve had several Moto-related ones…but they pale in comparison to one from my Harley.

For background, I’ve done all my own engine work since I started riding around age 12. One of dad’s stipulations was that I’d work on my own bike. I’ve rebuilt 2 and 4-strokes, and several engines for my 69 Camaro when I had it.

I say all that to say that when I decided to change the cam in my Harley to something a bit less sewing-machine like (M8 engine…no chop…on a Harley?!), it seemed like an easy swap. And it was, right up until I went to pull the inner cam bearing. The puller popped in like it’s supposed to…or so I thought, as it should have popped twice (once into the bearing, once out the back side). 

I began tightening, only to hear a crunch…which was the bearing cage shattering and the needle bearings coming apart.

Where did they go? Glad you asked. About half the bearings came out with the puller. The other half, and parts of the cage? Out the back, into the crankcase. 

IOW, my 2-3 hour cam swap now became a complete engine removal and teardown. Yay me.

My wife happened to come in the garage right after the bearing came apart. She said “you don’t look good.” I replied “I don’t feel good.” 😂

TeamGreen wrote:

“How I decided to make my bike an S&S Big Bore” 🤣

Funny you mention that…I had a serious battle with “as long as I’m in there-itis”…😂😂😂

Rickyisms 10/21/2024 8:11pm
10/21/2024 8:11pm
Soul Indigo wrote:
In 2002?, I blew up a kx125 at Millville.My dad, a couple friends, and myself did a fire drill to put a new top end in...

In 2002?, I blew up a kx125 at Millville.

My dad, a couple friends, and myself did a fire drill to put a new top end in before my next moto.

Made it about a lap and a half and the thing starts smoking. Not long later, I am pushing it back again.

One of us missed a hose clamp. 

 

My dad was in the same scenario when he was racing and put the piston in backwards in a rush 🤦🏻‍♂️

Vet57
Profile picture for user Vet57
Posts
2465
Joined
12/13/2010
Location
BRO Town, MA US
Vet57 10/22/2024 2:50am
10/22/2024 2:50am
PNWMXer wrote:
I’ve had several Moto-related ones…but they pale in comparison to one from my Harley.For background, I’ve done all my own engine work since I started riding...

I’ve had several Moto-related ones…but they pale in comparison to one from my Harley.

For background, I’ve done all my own engine work since I started riding around age 12. One of dad’s stipulations was that I’d work on my own bike. I’ve rebuilt 2 and 4-strokes, and several engines for my 69 Camaro when I had it.

I say all that to say that when I decided to change the cam in my Harley to something a bit less sewing-machine like (M8 engine…no chop…on a Harley?!), it seemed like an easy swap. And it was, right up until I went to pull the inner cam bearing. The puller popped in like it’s supposed to…or so I thought, as it should have popped twice (once into the bearing, once out the back side). 

I began tightening, only to hear a crunch…which was the bearing cage shattering and the needle bearings coming apart.

Where did they go? Glad you asked. About half the bearings came out with the puller. The other half, and parts of the cage? Out the back, into the crankcase. 

IOW, my 2-3 hour cam swap now became a complete engine removal and teardown. Yay me.

My wife happened to come in the garage right after the bearing came apart. She said “you don’t look good.” I replied “I don’t feel good.” 😂

TeamGreen wrote:

“How I decided to make my bike an S&S Big Bore” 🤣

Interesting....done a bunch of cam bearing swaps from Evo's on. Never had that happen. Were you using a reputable puller?

PNWMXer
Profile picture for user PNWMXer
Posts
1706
Joined
1/13/2022
Location
Washington, WA US
PNWMXer 10/22/2024 5:23am
10/22/2024 5:23am
PNWMXer wrote:
I’ve had several Moto-related ones…but they pale in comparison to one from my Harley.For background, I’ve done all my own engine work since I started riding...

I’ve had several Moto-related ones…but they pale in comparison to one from my Harley.

For background, I’ve done all my own engine work since I started riding around age 12. One of dad’s stipulations was that I’d work on my own bike. I’ve rebuilt 2 and 4-strokes, and several engines for my 69 Camaro when I had it.

I say all that to say that when I decided to change the cam in my Harley to something a bit less sewing-machine like (M8 engine…no chop…on a Harley?!), it seemed like an easy swap. And it was, right up until I went to pull the inner cam bearing. The puller popped in like it’s supposed to…or so I thought, as it should have popped twice (once into the bearing, once out the back side). 

I began tightening, only to hear a crunch…which was the bearing cage shattering and the needle bearings coming apart.

Where did they go? Glad you asked. About half the bearings came out with the puller. The other half, and parts of the cage? Out the back, into the crankcase. 

IOW, my 2-3 hour cam swap now became a complete engine removal and teardown. Yay me.

My wife happened to come in the garage right after the bearing came apart. She said “you don’t look good.” I replied “I don’t feel good.” 😂

TeamGreen wrote:

“How I decided to make my bike an S&S Big Bore” 🤣

Vet57 wrote:

Interesting....done a bunch of cam bearing swaps from Evo's on. Never had that happen. Were you using a reputable puller?

I thought so-it was the one from Fuel Moto. I think it was mostly user error, as I didn’t verify/realize that the click I felt/heard was the puller fully engaging. I felt and heard a significant “click” which I assumed was the puller fully engaging, when I think it was actually just passing into the inner race.


That said, if I do another one, I’d do the Jim’s puller. The Fuel Moto one has two weaknesses in my opinion (having been through this). One, the mandrel’s teeth aren’t very pronounced, making me also wonder if it was engaged, and just slipped into the bearing under load. Two, the Fuel Moto design has you spinning the mandrel itself on threads in the plate as you tighten it, vs the Jim’s where you tighten a nut against the plate and the mandrel stays in one place (rotationally). 

Hindsight 20/20, the design makes Jim’s worth the extra money, but at the end of the day, I was the dummy spinning the wrench.


If there’s a bright side, my crank runout was at .009 already (at 5400 miles), so having to tear it down removed excuses for getting the crank trued/welded etc.

Vet57
Profile picture for user Vet57
Posts
2465
Joined
12/13/2010
Location
BRO Town, MA US
Vet57 10/23/2024 1:06am
10/23/2024 1:06am

Ridiculous amount of runout at .009 especially at 5400m. Just for comparison I have a TC88 with 25000 and pinion is .0005. Timken bottom end though. Good luck with rebuild.

1
PNWMXer
Profile picture for user PNWMXer
Posts
1706
Joined
1/13/2022
Location
Washington, WA US
PNWMXer 10/23/2024 5:05am
10/23/2024 5:05am
Vet57 wrote:
Ridiculous amount of runout at .009 especially at 5400m. Just for comparison I have a TC88 with 25000 and pinion is .0005. Timken bottom end though...

Ridiculous amount of runout at .009 especially at 5400m. Just for comparison I have a TC88 with 25000 and pinion is .0005. Timken bottom end though. Good luck with rebuild.

Yep, even crazier is that HD says up to .012 is “within spec.” Crazy.

 

MXer391
Profile picture for user MXer391
Posts
416
Joined
2/10/2014
Location
Altoona, PA US
MXer391 10/23/2024 7:03am
10/23/2024 7:03am

Funny this thread is here. Last Saturday, I was changing the oil on my KX 450. Drained the oil and put a new oil filter in it. Filled it up with oil. Was getting ready to fire it up and check the oil level but first I took the oil pan to empty into my oil barrel. Saw something small fall out of the pan and plop into the barrel. Went and grabbed a magnet to fish it out. Turn out I dropped the oil filter spring into the pan and didn't know. OOPS that was a close one. 

Pit Row

See All »

Post a reply to: Your moto wrenching mess ups.