RX3: Engine Top End Rebuild at 22,450 Miles

[jbfla]

Thanks for the detailed procedure.

I suspect the intake valves on my RX3 have done the same as yours.....(12.5k miles).

.....the clearances went to zero within 1,000 miles.

Yet, the most recent check revealed the intakes increased by .002".

Is there a way to determine if the valves have receded into the head without disassembling the engine?

Most importantly, what are the options for those of us that don't have the time, skill, tools, work space, or inclination to perform the task?

Has anyone had CSC successfully find them a local mechanic to perform major repairs?

jb

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by jbfla

Thanks for the detailed procedure. ...

You're welcome, JB.

Originally Posted by jbfla

...I suspect the intake valves on my RX3 have done the same as yours.....(12.5k miles).

.....the clearances went to zero within 1,000 miles.

Yet, the most recent check revealed the intakes increased by .002".

Is there a way to determine if the valves have receded into the head without disassembling the engine?...

My exhaust valve clearances did not stablize until about 16,000 miles. I have never used an inspection camera. Could an inspection camera be employed in this situation? I suspect the size of the spark plug hole, the small area area inside the cylinder, et cetera, might cause problems for an inspection camera. However, I don't know.

I suggest you talk to Gerry at CSC and tell him your maintenance record of how often you did each valve lash check, and the required adjustments. As with me, he might tell you to have a leak down test performed. I bought an OTC 5609, Cylinder Leakage Tester Kit, shown in the link below. It does an excellent job, and I highly recommend it.

http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-5...FQsuaQodCX8J6g



However, be forewarned. Even if your engine passes a leak down test, you still might have valve recession. My cylinder did not leak, but the valve recession was obvious from a visual inspection.

Originally Posted by jbfla

...Most importantly, what are the options for those of us that don't have the time, skill, tools, work space, or inclination to perform the task?

Has anyone had CSC successfully find them a local mechanic to perform major repairs?

jb

Once again, I would call Gerry at CSC and ask for his advice. If you, or anyone else has this problem, he should try to resolve the issue before his warranty expires. That is why I talked to Gerry several times about this problem, and performed a leak down test last fall. This gave me enough time to get authorization to tear down the engine, find the problem, and fix the problem before my warranty coverage expired. Based upon my experience with this problem, I decided to post this thread as a service to the RX3 community.

[jbfla]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

...... I suspect the size of the spark plug hole, the small area area inside the cylinder, et cetera, might cause problems for an inspection......

Your suspicion is correct.

I tried to use my borescope to no avail.....sparkplug hole too small for access.

Got a better view with a LED flashlight and eyeballs.

......... I decided to post this thread as a service to the RX3 community.

Your expertise and willingness to share it, is certainly an asset to all RX3 owners.

And an asset to CSC.....you should be on the payroll....

However, I would wager that when buyers signed up for a "user maintained" motorcycle, they didn't think that included removing the engine, and rebuilding the top end.

jb

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by jbfla

...Your expertise and willingness to share it, is certainly an asset to all RX3 owners.

And an asset to CSC.....you should be on the payroll....

However, I would wager that when buyers signed up for a "user maintained" motorcycle, they didn't think that included removing the engine, and rebuilding the top end.

jb

Thanks for your kind words, JB.

I'm hoping my experience with this valve recession is a rare occurrence. However, when you mentioned your valve clearances had not stabilized, I felt a moral obligation to warn you, and others, of the possibilities.

I think you might be having other engine problems. I also believe you have some time left on your warranty. I suggest you contact CSC and ask them to help you resolve these issues. If you were nearby, I would certainly help you with the engine work myself. Unfortunately, you live about as far away from Idaho as possible.