The current project (CX500 79 CDI) I am undertaking seems to have become a little more involved than I had originally thought it would and I have now dropped the engine in order to check the cam chain and replace the mechanical seal. Whilst it wasn't too hard to do, I do have a few questions that I would hope the more experienced would be able to answer.
First thing was to remove the camshaft cover on the front of the engine as it was leaking oil, man it was a pain to get out, but eventually wasn't an issue, I have a replacement on the way and some new gaskets/o rings to go with it, sorted hopefully! The rubber seal on the front was as hard as plastic!
The water pump assembly was also fairly simple to take off and the impeller was no problem to remove (Have kept the copper nut!). The previous owner seemed to have a thing for using a large amount of sealant with the gaskets which was a nightmare to get off and there was a lot of silicone residue within the system itself... not great. I pulled at the old mechanical seal and with no resistance at all it popped out (shows that the idea to replace it may have been good!) I plan on using the "shep" method of doing it as the metal part is still in there and I have spares lying about with sealant glue. - (is there another one needed for the back? / rubber seal or something?)
Drained out all the engine oil before removing the back of the engine (in hindsight probably should have done it before dropping the engine...Doy) a little metallic but I don't think it's too serious (advice please? )
Taking the back plate off the engine was a little more tricky, getting the bolts off was a little tough as they had been JB Red Threadlocked in place - jiggling it out was also a bit of a ballache.. Was introduced to a pretty clean interior (with of course masses of sealant around the outside).
First thing that hit me was absolute dread as there were what looked to be huge pieces of metal on the inside of the case, however after further inspection it would appear that these lumps actually ARE the case. They are solidly on there and are the same colour so I presume it's just the casting.
Second worry was the grey gunk in the bottom of the engine I have been told that this is normal residue from older engines - however it strikes me as very odd that the previous owner would go to such lengths to replace all the gaskets (and apply so much sealant lol) but not bother to clear out all the sludge at the bottom - strange right?
Whilst removing the sludge, I came across a loose washer embedded in it... Which made me thank god that I had taken the engine apart before running the bike properly - but also now worry what on earth it could be from...
The cam chain didn't look in such bad shape either, not loose by any means and by the looks of the tensioner there is still some life left in it? But again, some advice would be great.
Oh and also, it would be nice to know what sort of o-rings these are as they need to be replaced.
Finally does anyone know how these gears are supposed to mesh as they came away when the back was removed?
Any other seals, gaskets or anything that need to be replaced or looked at too?! Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Thanks (and I am really sorry it is questions galore, my expertise on these engines is non-existent and I really don't want to mess up.
First thing was to remove the camshaft cover on the front of the engine as it was leaking oil, man it was a pain to get out, but eventually wasn't an issue, I have a replacement on the way and some new gaskets/o rings to go with it, sorted hopefully! The rubber seal on the front was as hard as plastic!
The water pump assembly was also fairly simple to take off and the impeller was no problem to remove (Have kept the copper nut!). The previous owner seemed to have a thing for using a large amount of sealant with the gaskets which was a nightmare to get off and there was a lot of silicone residue within the system itself... not great. I pulled at the old mechanical seal and with no resistance at all it popped out (shows that the idea to replace it may have been good!) I plan on using the "shep" method of doing it as the metal part is still in there and I have spares lying about with sealant glue. - (is there another one needed for the back? / rubber seal or something?)
Drained out all the engine oil before removing the back of the engine (in hindsight probably should have done it before dropping the engine...Doy) a little metallic but I don't think it's too serious (advice please? )
Taking the back plate off the engine was a little more tricky, getting the bolts off was a little tough as they had been JB Red Threadlocked in place - jiggling it out was also a bit of a ballache.. Was introduced to a pretty clean interior (with of course masses of sealant around the outside).
First thing that hit me was absolute dread as there were what looked to be huge pieces of metal on the inside of the case, however after further inspection it would appear that these lumps actually ARE the case. They are solidly on there and are the same colour so I presume it's just the casting.
Second worry was the grey gunk in the bottom of the engine I have been told that this is normal residue from older engines - however it strikes me as very odd that the previous owner would go to such lengths to replace all the gaskets (and apply so much sealant lol) but not bother to clear out all the sludge at the bottom - strange right?
Whilst removing the sludge, I came across a loose washer embedded in it... Which made me thank god that I had taken the engine apart before running the bike properly - but also now worry what on earth it could be from...
The cam chain didn't look in such bad shape either, not loose by any means and by the looks of the tensioner there is still some life left in it? But again, some advice would be great.
Oh and also, it would be nice to know what sort of o-rings these are as they need to be replaced.
Finally does anyone know how these gears are supposed to mesh as they came away when the back was removed?
Any other seals, gaskets or anything that need to be replaced or looked at too?! Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Thanks (and I am really sorry it is questions galore, my expertise on these engines is non-existent and I really don't want to mess up.