After major engine failure on the track last year (bearings+cracked block), I bought another block and we assembled the engine and it is now ready to attempt starting. I started off by removing the plugs to get oil to all bearings and already at that time I thought that the engine rotated very slowly (new and fully charged battery). I practically can't rotate the engine with the back wheel, much less by grabbing the clutch (it feels welded in place!). Here's a small video where the starter just manages to rotate the engine without plugs: Any ideas for what to check is welcome. My plan is to start removing left engine cover, then right cover and remove stuff until I have the block with crank left to check. If it's still to tight it must be the shimming of the crank (or gearbox) that's too tight. tia Jim
GOT IT The spacer behind the primary drive just behind the clutch basket was missing and after mounting a new one the engine started and ran perfectly at the first push of the button. No leaks, everything good and ready for trackdays Jim
ahh damn, NOT no leaks after all... After running it a bit I can see it is gathering oil just behind the verical cylinder on the right side, it looks like a head gasket issue or something coming from behind the belt cover. Oh well, back on the bench - it looks like another track season on the GSXR... Jim
Does it maybe need the cam cover caps resealing? Rocker gaskets from Ducati are shit and require the use of Yambond or similar to prevent any leaks.
Thats a pain mate. Was there nothing from the back of that rocker cover gasket? It was wet when I ran my finger along it on Monday afternoon. I'm off for a few days next week if you need an extra pair of hands to get it sorted for Sturup on the 11th.
Got it! It was a fold in the Rocker cover gasket and after some tedious gasket cleaning and a bit of Threebond is was assembled and now it runs with no leaks, phew! Finally done, cleaned up and ready to rock! Glen, you will have to wait a bit to get beat by the triple-9 (yeah right!), I don't like Sturup, it's a small track with too many holes and too little security. Your 1098R will be a mouthful to try and keep on the road (while riding only 2. and 3. gears!). Jim
...and after talking bad about Sturup, Glen and I went there anyway and did a terribly wet trackday where we were on the track about 15 minutes max. before giving up and loading the bikes into the vans again. Couple of pics: https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd....4_10203241483712112_2048198721058587505_o.jpg https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd....6_10202989884845478_3417740308770742545_n.jpg My primary objective was met though, the newly built engine is running fine with no issues at all and its' ready for a quick oil/filter change just to be on the safe side. I'm going to Anderstorp Raceway soon and I'm seriously considering to bring the '9 and leave the Gixxer at home. Just ordered a set of rain tires as well, I'm not doing that wet-stunt again. Jim
