Fair price???

[Honzilla]

Hi everyone?

I am having the pistons, rings and others (basic engine rebuild stuff) done to my 91' CB 750.

I was wondering if someone could give me an idea of a fair cost for these repairs. (ballpark guess is cool, I know I don't have many repair details.)   I am using a new tech and I want to make sure he is not screwing me too hard.

Thanks...

[sgtslag]

The local rate, in SE Minnesota, is $85/hour + parts.  Replacing piston rings means engine removal, and a fair amount of tear-down.  I would guess around 4-6 hours of labor, maybe more.  Ask him for an estimate.  Ask other shops for an estimate, time-wise.  Ask what parts they recommend be replaced, as long as they're in there.  Obviously, a new header gasket, but perhaps new shims, if that year's engine uses them.  It would be a good time to check the condition of the cam chain, sprockets, and its tensioner.  Best of luck!  Cheers!

[shinyribs]

The guy that does all of my machine work charges $12 per hole to bore and hone a block.I have only built v8's in the past,but i asked him about bike engines a few weeks back and he said it was the same rate.He charges a flat rate of $200 for engine assembly provided he doesn't have to chase parts.If your are not looking to run the bike flat-out at redline 24-7 you can get good deals on an 836cc big bore kit for less than $200 shipped.So,that would whip the bottom end together nicely for around $600 by the time you add the price of a gasket kit.I can't help you on heads,sorry.Can you assemble the engine yourself?

[Honzilla]

it's top-end stuff, rings and valves. He claims the bolts that hold the head to the block are very corroded and impossible to remove, "without damaging the head."
In the next day or two I'll be sending the motor to a machinist I know and see if the mech. is full of it, or legit.
I was also concerned about the mechanics qualifications, but I AM in Hong Kong. This usually means that our copy-right issues are a bit different. They have the right to copy what ever they want. From my experience that includes tech qualification documents and licenses and such.
With that being said, Hong Kong is definitely the leader of throw away societies. Nothing is saved here... It's so bad that you can purchase used exotic cars at a TINY fraction of their worth. (still out of my budget, sadly)
The fact that I have found someone to even work on the bike is pretty rare. Most shops here are for "R&R." (remove and replace)
Has anyone heard of a 21 year old bike who's head bolts are corroded shut? I know that sounds funny, but the rest of the bike is pretty much rust free...

So bummed, I just want my bike back and running properly.

[TOOLS1]

I have heard of head bolts galling to aluminum heads, but not on these bikes. I have to wonder if something might be getting lost in translation.
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[LukeM]

Hmm...I do recall a few of the bolts that held the case halves together were a bit of a bugger to get off.  Needed a battery powered impact driver to get them off.  Seems there was a bit of corrosion on the bolt.  Maybe the cases hadn't been apart before.  Anyhow, if I were doing it at home, I'd load up on PB Blaster (a very good penetrating fluid), soak them babies overnight, give them some light taps with a metal hammer, and see if they come loose.

You'll definitely save some money if you can do most of the grunt labor ahead of the mechanic doing his magic. This includes pulling the carbs, cleaning the outside, removing the engine, etc.  Just take LOTS of pictures on how you took it apart.  Use LOTS of plastic bags (with zip-loc openings, preferablt) for each system's hardware. Try and coordinate with your mechanic on what you can do vs. what he should do.

If you're not sure about this mechanic, it couldn't hurt to hunt another one down (if another one's available) and see what he says. It's similar to a "second opinion" in the doctor business.

Luke M

[TOOLS1]

On a DOHC bike, you should not need to remove the engine to do a rebuild on the top end.
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