[Miles88]

Just got a 98 Forman 450sw in the shop today. The owner said it was smoking and was hard to start then it wouldn't start. It had very little compression . Pulled the head and I could move the edges off the piston Up and down. Making the piston slightly crooked in the cylinder.. One side of the piston is worn bad. And there is a small amount of play in the rod side to side. How much play is to much play and what would have caused this?

 

[Miles88]

Poor maintenance is probably the culprit. There is no up and down play so that's a plus. Just happy to rebuild a Honda again. Just rebuilt a 99 400 Kawasaki prairie without pulling the motor! Talk about a tight fit! Lol!

 

[Miles88]

Here's some pics of cylinder piston Bottom end.

 

[Miles88]

Wasn't sunk to the owners knowledge. But was stolen then found it. Said it smoked after that and just ran it like it till she stop running. Knew it def needs a new top end. Wisco makes one I think. How hard is it to replace timing chain?

 

[Miles88]

Forgot to mention I can't get the wrist pin out. Had to pound it with a socket and mallet. Seems to be warped. Think that caused it?

 

[Miles88]

Stolen from the original owner then was found and returned back. Lol.

 

[Miles88]

Not putting any company down. But I've always used wisco when it was available. We all have preferences like Pepsi vs coke!

 

[Miles88]

The rod actually has very little movement. Doesn't look warped, bent, cracked or any overheating coloring. I'm more scared about the wrist pin hole!

 

[Miles88]

I'm gonna see if it's in service limit. Remember it's not my bike. I'll give the owner the option on what he desires. I just put it together! I just prefer wisco personally

 

[Miles88]

Gonna get a second opinion from a local mechanic. Piston wise should I go a 91mm or a 91.50mm just to be safe?

 

[Miles88]

Kinda hard to see but that's what I mean when the piston is crooked in the cylinder.