[DrRighteous]

I ordered some adapters for my compression tester so I will see what kind of squeeze the engine makes. They should be here today.
The clicking/clacking noise could be the valve lash way out of adjustment but unless someone took the little covers off and did this, does not seem likely.
Will see what I can discover today.

 

[DrRighteous]

Well, ran the compression test and I can't say I'm surprised at the results.
90PSI.

It is possible I have valve timing and valve train related issues causing this but the fact that is smokes like crazy tells me the rings are shot.

 

[retro]

Topends are a lot of fun to rebuild. Can get expensive too, but at least they are fun to do! One great thing about topend jobs is... you generally have a few different options for parts and machining to choose from. That means you can make it a better motor than the factory did, if you wish.

If you find that you'll need a fresh bore and piston kit when you get it apart, the folks at G&H Discount ATV do a great job of that for a very fair price, all new parts & gaskets included.

 

[cmanningjr]

http://www.ghdiscountatvsupply.com/...gine-motor-top-rebuild-kit-machining-service/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DrRighteous]

I appreciate the input and the help with the project.

The fact that the engine is pretty much worn out and needs a rebuild has caused me to re-evaluate this project. I was proceeding on what I was told that the engine ran great with no problems. It turns out that wasn't true at all. I have $200+ in parts in this already and have not even scratched the surface of the problems it has.
That plus the fact some things have changed and other project will be taking all my spare time so unfortunately the TRX300 project has come to a end. :sad

 

[machinecrook]

Bummer, I'm sure there isn't too much until the motor is running fine! To be honest, 200$ in parts is really not that much. You've made great head way up till now! New bore and piston kit will make the compression great.

I first bought my TRX300 for 1200$. I had no knowledge of what I was buying or if the bike was in good shape. First ATV ever, first project after I bought my house. Battery was shot, muffler flange bolts were stripped inside the aluminium casting, muffler had a bunch of holes, brake panel was shattered, rear diff bearings were finished, transfer case vent tube was busted off (which meant new seals/bearings), rear shock was finished, tires were finished, CV axle boots torn, and much much more... I'm probably at 2400$ CAD right now for the bike. My plastics and racks are still wrecked but the machine runs great!

But... Priorities are priorities so if you can't tackle the 300 now, keep it at a later date!

 

[DrRighteous]

Bummer, I'm sure there isn't too much until the motor is running fine! To be honest, 200$ in parts is really not that much. You've made great head way up till now! New bore and piston kit will make the compression great.

I first bought my TRX300 for 1200$. I had no knowledge of what I was buying or if the bike was in good shape. First ATV ever, first project after I bought my house. Battery was shot, muffler flange bolts were stripped inside the aluminium casting, muffler had a bunch of holes, brake panel was shattered, rear diff bearings were finished, transfer case vent tube was busted off (which meant new seals/bearings), rear shock was finished, tires were finished, CV axle boots torn, and much much more... I'm probably at 2400$ CAD right now for the bike. My plastics and racks are still wrecked but the machine runs great!

But... Priorities are priorities so if you can't tackle the 300 now, keep it at a later date!

Pricing around what I was pretty sure the engine would need got to $500, I quit.
$210 in it and it still needs new everything for the brakes, both front, and everything in the rear. All new parts in the diff. Both handle controls are broken, All cables are shot. Brake lines shot. And this is the thing I know about. One issue with a project like this are the things missing you don't notice.
Like I broke the choke cable while trying to remove the enrichment valve in the carb. Got a OEM replacement cable and installed it. Didn't come with the rubber boots on either end to keep the dirt and water out. Didn't come with the clip that anchors the cable to the control. Wouldn't work without that. Where do you get those? Multiply that frustration by every cable on it being broken or missing.
I would like to have an ATV for myself or my wife and son to ride. It isn't money that is the problem, it is time and frustration. Considering that, buying a newer one looks more attractive all the time.

 

[machinecrook]

I know what you mean man, I had finished rebuilding the head of my motor and when I was installing the carb back on, I broke the enrichment piece! Hey if you're willing to send it over to Quebec I'm a taker!

 

[retro]

It is a parts machine then, but maybe another 300 will appear at an affordable price and you'll be able to get a good running machine out the two... All tragedies present new opportunities, regardless how grave they may appear at first. Keep a smile on!

 

[DrRighteous]

Sold the TRX300 in a few hours after I put it on CraigsList. Amazing.
Show how popular these things are even when they need work.

I keeping my eyes open for a deal; might be another Honda, but will have to be much newer and I would like at least a 500cc.

Thanks Guys.