How screwed am I?

[PrinceJ57]

Bought the bike last week. Not sure of the mileage because the speedo is screwed, 1983 XS650 Heritage Special. Drained the oil today and found this (see picture). The engine runs fine other than it is running a little rich. Kicks on one kick and only has a problem cranking off the starter because the gear is warn. I also found some plastic so I'm sure the chain guide is shot. But I have no clue what this is exactly and what it means for my wallet. Any help or ideas is greatly appreciated!!

 

[cros36]

piston pin clip?

 

[PrinceJ57]

I don't think so. It looks like it was a complete circle. It is very thin and flat like a gasket of some sort. But I could be wrong.

 

[hotdog]

x 2 looks like a piston clip

 

[270YAM]

I found a piston clip in the bottom of an old XS engine, I pulled the top end off it and found all 4 piston clips still in place!!

 

[Patches]

Looks a little big in diameter to be a piston pin clip IMHO....

 

[PrinceJ57]

Well that's just awesome. So I guess I'm doing a rebuild. It's very frustrating because it actually runs pretty damn good.

 

[PrinceJ57]

I found a piston clip in the bottom of an old XS engine, I pulled the top end off it and found all 4 piston clips still in place!!

That is possible. The PO has done some pretty interesting wiring on this bike so I could see them half assing a rebuild.

 

[littlebill31]

It's amazing what PO's will do. Especially with wiring!!
I'm not making fun, but when you think about it, where would the piston pin go? It's in the cylinder, it can't really back out. However, it could scar the inside of the cylinder.

 

[I am Carbon]

pin is 20mm quarter is arround 24mm

 

[PrinceJ57]

this thing is def bigger than the quarter. It fell from the rear drain if that makes a difference. I have no experience with these engines but something tells me I'm about to have lots!

 

[FastColt]

Id ride it till it breaks. Dont sweat it.

 

[littlebill31]

Id ride it till it breaks. Dont sweat it.

Same here. I've been trying to kill a VW bug for years. Still going.

 

[JasperLP]

It's to big to be a piston clip. How would a piston clip get out of the cylinder without some severe damage. If nobody here can ID it, it could just be a foreign object donated by the PO. Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

 

[Q Tip]

looks like a coil off the starter gear spring.

 

[PrinceJ57]

Now that's an idea the starter is having all kinds of issues so that is very very possible. You guys are awesome I feel lots better now. Should have seen my face when that thing dropped out!

 

[Q Tip]

pull your clutch cover and check your gear/spring....could be the rest of that spring is floating around in there. Good time to replace your worn starter gear etc.

 

[scabber]

Looks like broken piece of starter spring probably why it wont kick off it.

 

[I am Carbon]

pull your clutch cover and check your gear/spring....could be the rest of that spring is floating around in there. Good time to replace your worn starter gear etc.

+1 i agree

 

[pregrid]

If it starts on one kick it's time to kick the starter to the curb.