Having neither the knowhow, nor the specialty tools required once I get there, would there be any useful purpose in pulling the motor this winter?

Quick history--ran over big rock. Punched hole in bottom of motor. Patched with JB Weld. Held up this summer. Starting to leak again. (constant drip) Makes funny noises inside, and heavy vibration on acceleration. (Never did before hitting rock)

So, would it be worth it to go through all that, just to get a better patch job, or, just do the best I can, with motor still on the bike, and continue to ride until it blows? (Which is what I'll probably do anyways)

Like I said, I have neither the knowhow, tools, nor money required to do a motor teardown. And, unless fatboy drops a new motor on my porch on December 25, I don't see replacing the motor as an option, either.



All this really sucks after dumping $1200 into it last winter. (New battery, 2 new tires and tubes, forward controls, head gasket, Verslavy, rebuild carb with new mixture screw, 3" handlebar risers, front pads, rear shoes, headlight bulb)

The hole is on the right lower side, bottom of motor right where it curves, between two case bolts. Almost straight across from the drainplug. Right on the edge. Cracks running in several directions from the actual hole. It also dented the frame right there, pretty deep--almost flat.

There are shops around here that could do the work, but I need both of my arms and legs. Plus, I'd have to locate a used motor with intact parts--I found 1 in Milwaukee. Top 1/2 is missing and they still want $600 for what's left. That's a bit steep just for a right side lower engine case.

$600 for a bottom end?  I gotta whole engine for that.  Keep looking.
I know pinwall has more for more.

The leaks would prompt for a better patch.  Not much you can do about odd noises except prepare for the worst.

It was a honeydew melon sized rock in the middle of state highway, in front of a construction site. 45 mph speed limit, came out from under car in front of me--could not avoid hitting it.

I went maybe 2 miles. There was still 1 quart in there when I got home and drained it. Rode bike all summer--no seize.

drums1 wrote on 11/09/11 at 08:15:26:

1 qt is not empty, if you develop a leak in the oil pressure path, it'll pretty much drain all the oil outta the case.

drums1 wrote on 11/09/11 at 07:25:56:




Sounds like you may have been running a bit close. Also sounds like you coulda got yourself hurt pretty bad, Sorry you boogered up your bike, but you didnt get hurt//& thats a good thing.

Why dont you pull your engine & open it up & see what you can do about it before spending $$$ on a replacement? You cant mess it up. Take a shot at it.

Ride it til she blows, then buy another bike that has some horrible problem not associated with the motor and between the two of em you can make one working bike. Then part out all the extra parts to us to recoup some of the expense.