My rebuild post

Hey guys, been a little while. I have been on the boards but not had much to say or help to ask for. Until now lol. I need to replace the brake caliper but can't find a decent replacement. Is there another caliper that will fit without any fettling? Like from a 650 for example. I have looked different model's caliper's but they all seem to be different design's and I'm a bit weary of buying one and finding it's no good. Thanks.

 

The brake caliper for the 550 Maxim is the same as the LH caliper from an '81 ~ '83 Seca 750 or a 1982 XV920J (Virago.)

 

That's great news the Virago one will probably be easier to come by. As an aside, it was a Virago that I had before the the Max.

Thanks alot Fitz

 

Ok, so this one should work then?

 

Hey guys. Work has well and truly stopped for now. Got the engine mounted and was going great until the engine seized. Was fine until quite recently. I've managed to pull the head and the barrels & pistons are f***ed. Like proper f***ed so I'm thinking about a new engine. Spent to much on it to back out now. Will any of the chain drive XJ engines fit or should I stick to a 550 due to carbs etc. Any advice much appreciated.

 

The only other chain drive XJ engine was the 400 and no, it won't work without some serious frame modification. You have to source another 550 engine.
Out of curiosity, what caused the engine seizure?

 

Thought that was the case. Appears to be water ingress. When pulled the head the barrels were full of water. Which was in there from before got the bike. I've always stored the Burke & engine in doors. I'll post some pics when I'm not so angry and can deal with that shit lol

 

I think I recall a member putting an engine from a FJ600 in his 550. It involved either keeping the Fj carbs or using the Fj jets in Xj's carb. Its another option that's out there for you if you care to search for it.

 

Brilliant thanks Matti I'll look into that as well. Found a 550 engine that was running before being taken out if the frame apparently. Put an offer in on it. Just waiting now.

 

Progress update. New engine arrived, was seized on arrival. Got a full refund, but can't seem to unseize it. Been pouring Duck Oil, petrol & Redex mixture in hope to free it up but it's been months and still no movement. Any suggestions?

 

Ever notice you rarely see an engine for sale that is described as "seized up tight sometime long before the last time I tried to ride it"?
Glad you got a refund...

 

Yeah I guess so, it came from a breakers who said it was turning over when they stripped the bike but had to drain fluids to store, which was 3 months before I bought it. I can't get the head off at the moment because of the way the cam shafts are positioned I can't get to the bolts to release the sprockets. I've tried removing the tensioner and slipping the chain, but can't rotate the cams or get the chain off.Unless there's another way I'm missing?

 

Separate the chain..... Get a chain breaking tool, or, if you don't care about the chain then just cut it.

 

Thought about that. It'll mean an engine rebuild right?

 

To put a new chain in meant...

 

If you cut the chain, yes. If you use a chain breaker, no. The breaking tool pushes the rivet out. Tie a string to the chain. Pull the chain through, the string will be used to pull a new chain through.... Or him the new chain to the old chain. The tool also installs the new rivet.

BUT, if you have a chain with high miles or unknown miles, why not just put a new one in anyway?

Last question.... If you're talking about the new engine you got- you're gonna do a rebuild of a seized engine anyway, right? Put a new chain in.

 

Yeah the new engine. The seizure is in in the barrels I was hoping not to have to replace to much, I'm expecting to have to change the barrels. I've got a chain breaker/riveter so will look into replacing the chain as well.

 

If you can get Acetone there, use it and an equal amount of Automatic Transmission Fluid. That is the best penetrating oil ever devised.
Heat can be your friend here too. Heat the barrels with a torch, allow the engine to cool, and repeat the process several times to help break the rust up.

 

Yeah. I can get Acetone I'm pretty sure the Mrs uses it to remove false nails lol. I'll look into the Moe. Cheers Buddy!

 

Don't use the scented kind

 

Scented acetone? I was planning on using

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/191685701834

I'm guessing this will be OK

 

That'll be fine

 

Don't you like your motorcycle to smell pretty?

 

The smell if burning fuel is enough for me. Petty mine isn't burning any at the moment!

 

any news on the tear down? Im about to start an engine rebuildish myself and am trying to find info