I've never taken an engine to bits and put it back together. I am fascinated by how the mechanics work though. Been thinking of getting a spare 848 Evo engine to practice on. Any tips or advice? Any specialist tools needed? think it will make the winter go faster mucking around with this...
well I certainly wouldnt start on your own bike. you will need specialist tools which can be expensive when added up. measuring tools such as dti, torque wrench, a huge socket set and knowhow. its great fun if your doing it for a purpose. I have had many car engines apart and rebuilt from component form. I rebuilt a 16v astra gte when they first came out with irmshcher big valve head and overbore etc...full block out. vauxhall chevette droopsnoot hs. opel manta. and many fords. I wouldnt suggest you do it for no reason unless you have money to burn. gasket sets alone for ducati are expensive. no college courses in your area...???
do it - you have the passion i'm sure. It doesn't matter if you've not worked on one before all you have to remember is to stop and think things over if you are about to use excessive force. What is actually stopping components from coming apart - is everything 'in repose' etc. Must be a few specialist tools needed but there is plenty of help on here when it comes to that.
I think I would just by a cheaper engine to start with as they're all pretty similar in design and it should give you an insight into the workings.
^^+1. My advice is to enroll at night school and use/ wreck/ practice on all their stuff. Buying a used 848 engine is and expensive way to go about it. There's quite a few specialist tools required to split the engine. A couple of mistakes and the engine can get written off.
i would pay a genuine engine builder to let you watch them. There is a world between building an engine and just bolting some bits together.........i would say it takes a few years of experience training and history to do it to a standard that is reliable.....
Something like this would be worth thinking about - Oval Motorcycle Centre, London is a fully equipped workshop where you can rent space to carry out repairs/rebuilds under supervision, with a qualified dude standing at your side you'll very quickly learn about the gubbins of your engine and what it does. It costs, mind.
Thanks for the links and replies. I had a look on E-bay and there is an 848 engine for about £2k, which is too much really. Will look for something cheaper...
For a first attempt I'd go for something a LOT cheaper. Personally, I'd look at a ropey complete bike like an ST2, that can be had for under a grand, and do some learning on that first. Get to know the engine, tidy up the rest of the bike, then sell for a profit.
Yeah, pick up a shitty CBR engine and practice on that. Or go an enrol in a Motorcycle maintenance course then you don't have to by the engine. They do them at Waltham Forest College in North London as an evening course
