[duaneduanet]

I have a 2003 Honda 350 ES 4X4
I took the top end down to change the ring. But when I got into it I need a new piston and the cylinder needs to be bored. The cylinder is in the shop now. The connecting rod needs to be replaced due to the piston ring putting some marks on the inside of the connecting rod. Looks like someone ran it low on oil.
I was hoping to get by with just doing the top end, but better do it right the first time. My question is I have the Honda service manual and it doesn't tell how to remove the connecting rod. Can anyone help on this? I have the manual on PDF if anyone needs it. I tried to attach it to this post but it is slightly to big.

 

[Helmut]

The crankshaft has to be removed and then pressed apart to replace the connecting rod and then pressed back together. It's better to just replace the whole crankshaft as an assembly, because they don't hold up too good just replacing the connecting rod.

 

[duaneduanet]

that sounds like a lot more money than just replacing the connecting rod?

 

[duaneduanet]

but do you agree with replacing the connecting rod? The inside of the top where the piston pin goes is gouged from over heating. The pin still goes in tight.

 

[Helmut]

that sounds like a lot more money than just replacing the connecting rod?

It would be, but I've never seen anybody have any luck with just replacing the rod. You might be able to find a used crankshaft on Ebay pretty cheap. You would have to take the crank out to change the rod, anyway.

 

[duaneduanet]

do they come new already together?

 

[Helmut]

do they come new already together?

Yeah, it comes pressed together already and ready to go in complete with the connecting rod.

 

[69quadracer]

If you replace the crank/rod assembly be sure to put new crank bearings and seals while you are there.

 

[duaneduanet]

ok Thank you

 

[duaneduanet]

Should I go with a Honda Piston or aftermarket? Will I get enough extra power to justify the 150 dollar price difference?

 

[Helmut]

Should I go with a Honda Piston or aftermarket? Will I get enough extra power to justify the 150 dollar price difference?

I can't really answer that question as I always buy OEM parts and always keep mine stock. Maybe someone else can answer that question.

 

[duaneduanet]

Update. tore engine down and found out it had been bored before 1.00 over. So ordered new cylinder and stock size piston. Ordered crankshaft assembly and all bearings from powersedge.com (should come today). That is a great website. I ordered the crankshaft and all bearings cheaper than the dealership wanted just for the crankshaft assembly alone. Saved about 200.00. Got a new front grill so my headlights have a place to attach. ended up not needing the front fender because Honda said the front headlights connect to the grill not the front fender. Only thing I am still looking for is a winch mount with 4.90 X 3.00 mounting dimensions. I think the Warn mount is 4.87 X 3. Will that work? The winch I want is the new Smittybilt XRC 3. I have a Smittybilt on my Jeep and it is a great winch. And a good price.