DSmoke
XS650 Member
I have an 81 XS650 that I picked up last fall. The previous owner made it look good, but mechanically needed a lot of work. I have most of it done and got it running. The bike came with a different motor in it, the original number matching motor was pulled with the top end off of it. The motor in the bike right now is blowing a ton of smoke and both plugs are oil fouled and wet. I am trying to get this bike running right for my wife to use while I finish up my XS500 cafe project before moving on to this future project.
I have decided it is time tor rebuild the top end. This would be the first time for me. I am not intimidated by it, I know I can do it. I will probably be back with a question or two, and I also have 2 different manuals that came with the bike. At the moment I have 2 questions.
1. What do you the experts here recommend for the top end rebuild? I am planning on new gaskets, rings, and cam chain. There are a few lights scratches on the cylinder so I plan on honing them. I would appreciate if you could advise of the must do parts for this. I want to order the parts ASAP so I can get going on this. I am trying to avoid the learning curve of getting halfway done to realize I need another part.
2. I have pictures below. The PO said this "I took the valves out of the heads and I had them sandblasted. then I painted the head with Rust-oleum high heat flat aluminum good for up to 2000 f Item no. 248904. I got it at Wal mart. I seat the valves then I put them back in the same valve chamber I took them out. I also put new valve seals in them." You can see in the pictures that the valves are painted and the underside of the head where the rocker arms are is painted with black paint. I am concerned that this might come off and get in the motor. Please let me know if I need to correct this before proceeding. I am planning to pull the valves to check their condition, and read about lapping them so that might happen to.
I really appreciate any and all your feedback. I am hoping this rookie can get this done right the first time!
I have decided it is time tor rebuild the top end. This would be the first time for me. I am not intimidated by it, I know I can do it. I will probably be back with a question or two, and I also have 2 different manuals that came with the bike. At the moment I have 2 questions.
1. What do you the experts here recommend for the top end rebuild? I am planning on new gaskets, rings, and cam chain. There are a few lights scratches on the cylinder so I plan on honing them. I would appreciate if you could advise of the must do parts for this. I want to order the parts ASAP so I can get going on this. I am trying to avoid the learning curve of getting halfway done to realize I need another part.
2. I have pictures below. The PO said this "I took the valves out of the heads and I had them sandblasted. then I painted the head with Rust-oleum high heat flat aluminum good for up to 2000 f Item no. 248904. I got it at Wal mart. I seat the valves then I put them back in the same valve chamber I took them out. I also put new valve seals in them." You can see in the pictures that the valves are painted and the underside of the head where the rocker arms are is painted with black paint. I am concerned that this might come off and get in the motor. Please let me know if I need to correct this before proceeding. I am planning to pull the valves to check their condition, and read about lapping them so that might happen to.
I really appreciate any and all your feedback. I am hoping this rookie can get this done right the first time!