Re: engine rebuild

Posted by LukeM on Jan 23, 2012; 10:29am
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/engine-rebuild-tp3680659p3681473.html

Definitely cheaper to do it yourself.  When my DOHC motor threw its long cam chain, I decided to have a local mechanic work it.  He was a Harley guy, but did do some work on metric bikes/motors.  To pull the motor and tear it all the way down to see what needed replacing, we were up to about $500.  All the parts that we decided to replace (those that needed it and those that were to be done "as long as we've got it apart") were close to $800.  This was rings, main bearings, 2 intake and 2 exhaust valves, long and short cam chains, full gasket set, several seals, and some other stuff.  This was with a friend's 40% discount at the Honda dealer for about half this stuff, and Rice Paddy MC for the used stuff.  I think putting it all back together would have been another $500 or so.

So you see, even with me helping, the labor would have been about a grand USD, and parts close to another grand.  

These engines are not hard to work on. The FSM is just about spot on for working on these guys. You might need a factory tool or two, but sometimes a workaround is possible. There's a bunch of guys on this forum who've done the work you're talking about, and are willing to help as best they can.  You might try a search on the forum for "engine rebuild" at the homepage in the upper right corner.

I wish you good luck, and happy rebuilding.
Luke M