Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Fortunately, jet skis use simple engines that can be diagnosed fairly easily. They don't require a large engine lifting arm to pull out, so most mechanically inclined people can diagnose a running problem. The cylinder is the powerhouse of the vehicle, and many jet skis use two-stroke or four-stroke engines. So when the cylinder goes bad, so does the jet ski.
Motorcycle head gaskets are designed to endure heat generated by combustion in the cylinder head for thousand of miles. Head gaskets fail in progressive stages each time the engine overheats and exceeds the limits of the gasket. Your XR250 Honda has twin cylinders and a single head gasket that installs atop the cylinder jacket. Removing the head and replacing the gasket requires patience and mechanical aptitude on your part. Looking at the engine, notice the cylinder head is below the gas tank and the seat extends over the tank. Remove the seat and gas tank to replace a head gasket…
Fiberglass motorcycle gas tanks are vulnerable to damage from spills or impact. Repairing a fiberglass tank requires an eye for detail, basic workshop skills and the mechanical knowledge to remove the tank from the motorcycle. Above all, it is important to note that most states are requiring 10% ethanol in gasoline. Ethanol will dissolve fiberglass and clog the fuel filter or damage the fuel pump and the motorcycle engine. In addition, the tank will develop leaks. A complete repair should include an epoxy gas tank sealer that is compatible with fiberglass.
Motorcycle heads are made from cast aluminum alloy that house tempered steel components. Other than the engine's pistons, the moving parts in a motorcycle cylinder head are subject to the highest degree of wear. While most heads can be repaired, sometimes it may be more cost-effective to replace the head. Repairing a motorcycle's cylinder head occurs in a motorcycle machine shop. The procedure includes a thorough evaluation, performing the necessary machining and servicing the valves, valve guides and valve springs.
Older motorcycles use mechanical tachometers that operate by means of a cable. The cable connects the gauge to the engine crankcase, and the core of the cable turns at the speed of the engine. The majority of newer motorcycles use single-fire electronic tachometers that interface with the ignition coil and detect the rate of spark generated by the coil to the spark plugs. Repairing a mechanical or electronic tachometer gauge requires a fair degree of expertise. But repairing the system is not a complex task in terms of identifying and correcting problems.
Gas tanks on motorcycles will occasionally become damaged and develop pinhole leaks from different road conditions, as well as collisions. Small leaks in a gas tank can be repaired by a professional welder. There are epoxies and other chemical solutions available, but the only permanent fix for gas tank repair is to weld the hole closed.
With all the innovations and improvements to Honda motorcycles over the past few decades, one thing remains relatively constant: the clutch. The size of friction plates and metal clutch discs vary from the smaller CBX 250 to the VT 1100C Shadow, but the primary components and operation of the clutch are similar. The chances of finding factory components for an older motorcycle are slim. However, aftermarket clutch kits are available for 1984 Honda motorcycles. You will need to obtain a clutch kit for your particular model motorcycle that includes clutch plates, discs and clutch springs.
Head gasket problems are common with older air-cooled engines when the gaskets become brittle due to excessive heat. A bad head gasket can lead to oil leaks and poor engine performance. In some cases it is possible to repair the gasket as long as the metallic rings that seal the cylinder sleeves are not broken. In other cases, the only method of repair is replacing the gasket. In either event, it is necessary to first remove the cylinder head in order to access the gasket.
Anyone who is out to build a motorcycle and go cheap can make it happen by spending the time to pull all the parts together. Deals and giveaways are out there and it's more a matter of diligence than dollars. The idea is to work out a reasonable budget and start gathering the major parts. Once you have the frame, engine, wheels and tires, there will be plenty to work on while you go about acquiring the accessories.
Motorcycle seat covers are made from vinyl or leather. The type of vinyl used has a fabric backing that can tear along a thread line. Leather seat covers typically wear thin before they tear, leaving the area around the torn opening frayed and inconsistent. Tears in leather motorcycle seats are next to impossible to patch with any degree of reliability. Installing backing is a sure way to repair small tears in a motorcycle seat.
Whether you are in the final stages of rebuilding your motorcycle engine or upgrading the carburetor on your bike, it is necessary to install the carburetor and connect the throttle cable. The process is not complicated--once you have installed the carburetor, you can tune it by referring to your repair manual or by consulting a motorcycle mechanic. Be sure to check the existing fuel line and vacuum line for wear or leakage and include new lines in the installation, if necessary.
A couple of things may cause a motorcycle gas tank to leak. One is rust that accumulates inside the tank, which usually results in a leak at the fuel petcock or along a welded seam. Another cause of leaks is a puncture. Punctures can be filled and sealed. However, leaks caused by rust require welding. Because fumes in an empty or partially filled gas tank are known to be highly volatile, welding around gasoline can be dangerous. Therefore, a certified fuel tank welder should fix leaks caused by rust.
Typical motorcycle speedometers are not complex pieces of equipment. They consist of a speedometer gauge and a speedometer cable that connects between the gauge and a fitting on the front wheel hub. Some motorcycles have electronic speedometers that require calibration and repair by a trained technician. Problems with mechanical speedometers are most often a faulty gauge or worn cable. If the gauge is not damaged, a simple troubleshooting procedure will isolate the problem.
The classic Triumph 650 motorcycle has a four-stroke engine that can be modified to boost horsepower and increase torque. The engine modification adds low-end quickness and raises the top speed of the motorcycle without changing sprockets or transmission gear ratios. You can hop up a 650 Triumph motorcycle by disassembling and assembling the engine in a shop and sending out the cylinders and heads for machine work.
Motorcycle fairings are durable and look beautiful when new, but accidents happen. Your motorcycle may fall, or someone can accidentally scratch the fairing. You can repair those scratches to keep the motorcycle fairings looking new and avoid taking them to a professional, which can be expensive. This is a job you can do on your own.
Repairing a motorcycle chin strap can be done in less than 10 minutes for $9 to $15 (in 2010). Requiring no special skill, virtually anyone can replace a chin strap.
