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20 Posts
Hello All,
Being retired, needing a project and having more time than money, I purchased a pair of Hondas that were recently traded-in by the US Forest Service. One is a 91 TRX-300-FW and the other is an 89 TRX-350-D. Both appear to have been ridden hard but were very inexpensive.
The TRX-300 cam cover had been removed by previous owner revealing severly worn cam journals, cams and rocker arms. I am trying to decide if I should replace the cam cover, cam and head or try to find a used engine. What causes this problem? If I attempt to fix the old engine, what should I look for and what should I replace? Can one tell if the oil pump is OK by visual examination and simple measurements? Is it acceptable to just flush the engine or should it be disassembled to remove all the little metal pieces? ATV appears to have good compression and spark so maybe it is worth resurecting.
The TRX-350-D may be in a little better shape. I was able to get it started with a gravity feed gas supply (fuel pump missing). Would not idle so a carb kit seems in order. Seemed to be a little clatter from the cam area but I am not experienced enough to know if it was valve adjustment or something worse. There was some oil seepage from the round black plastic cam seal. Also, I noticed that the cam seal was rotating along with the engine -- is that a symptom of a worn out cam and journals? Should I pull the cam cover to see if there is damage? How much is involved in resealing the cover?
Another question -- are the cam journals repairable?
I know I have asked a lot of questions but any comments and adivce will be sincerely appreciated.
Best regards,
Tim
Being retired, needing a project and having more time than money, I purchased a pair of Hondas that were recently traded-in by the US Forest Service. One is a 91 TRX-300-FW and the other is an 89 TRX-350-D. Both appear to have been ridden hard but were very inexpensive.
The TRX-300 cam cover had been removed by previous owner revealing severly worn cam journals, cams and rocker arms. I am trying to decide if I should replace the cam cover, cam and head or try to find a used engine. What causes this problem? If I attempt to fix the old engine, what should I look for and what should I replace? Can one tell if the oil pump is OK by visual examination and simple measurements? Is it acceptable to just flush the engine or should it be disassembled to remove all the little metal pieces? ATV appears to have good compression and spark so maybe it is worth resurecting.
The TRX-350-D may be in a little better shape. I was able to get it started with a gravity feed gas supply (fuel pump missing). Would not idle so a carb kit seems in order. Seemed to be a little clatter from the cam area but I am not experienced enough to know if it was valve adjustment or something worse. There was some oil seepage from the round black plastic cam seal. Also, I noticed that the cam seal was rotating along with the engine -- is that a symptom of a worn out cam and journals? Should I pull the cam cover to see if there is damage? How much is involved in resealing the cover?
Another question -- are the cam journals repairable?
I know I have asked a lot of questions but any comments and adivce will be sincerely appreciated.
Best regards,
Tim
