Recent content by dmschuler

So are the filters just cheap, or is it that they don't normally get changed for 20+ years, or is it the piston pieces that ripped the filter? I've been watching craigslist. There have been a few, but they go quick!

Full rebuild it is. I don't want to chance it. It's amazing how many little pieces there are floating around in there. The fact the the filter had a tear in it didn't help matters either.

'81 XS650. blew a hole in one of the pistons. I have new jugs & pistons. I'm sending the jugs & head to the shop for decking & a valve job. Today when I removed the oil filter I found the other pieces of the piston. Am I throwing good money after bad if I don't rebuild the lower end? I...

operation dis-assembly under way! I picked up a used cylinder & pistons from ebay. Should I send it out to the machine shop with the head? New rings are probably in order too? Recommendations for a good shop in the Buffalo, NY area would be greatly appreciated. Next up, I need to order...

DADDYG - Great idea. I did the same when I rebuilt my '82 maxim. Took a lot of pictures during the tear down too. Thanks for the offer of support - I definitely appreciate it! GentlemanJim - I'm in Tonawanda near the Niagara River. And what do you mean "came to your senses and moved south?"...

Thanks everyone! I'm in the Buffalo, NY area, so if anyone knows of a bike nite I'd buy a round!

Hello everyone! New user here. I have an 81 XS650 that needs new a new piston. I think it was running way too lean, which resulted in blowing a hole in one of the pistons. I decided to take this as an opportunity to tear the bike down and repaint the frame. I'll also be doing a few other...