On Thursday 01 December 2005 15:40, MAB [
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> Does anyone know anything about this?
My Suzuki GS125 dropped an exhaust valve while doing 60mph at over
10,000rpm.
brrrrrrrrrr-BANG-BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz-clinkclinkclink-bugger!
> What does it mean?
It means one of the valves has fallen apart and dropped into the combustion
chamber. Because the bits of valve are not generally compressible this
tends to leave your engine looking like a manic gremlin armed with a
jackhammer has tried to get out.
> How does it happen?
Usually over-revving, running too lean and therefore too hot or a
combination of the two. Sometimes valves just feel like falling apart.
My motorbike engine fell apart because I was over-revving and the exhaust
baffles had been gradually rotting out which meant the exhaust was
breathing more and more freely which meant the engine was running more and
more lean. Engines generally run hot when they run lean.
> I am advised by my main dealer that a replacement engine is needed and
> the cost is £4700.00.
That's steep. Maybe that's the price for a brand new engine but I'd be
surprised if you can't find something for a 10th of the price.
> They say it is beyond econimical repair.
Maybe for them. Have you tried getting a quote from a specialist engine
rebuilder?
I guess the crank is ok and if the conrod isn't bent you just need a new
head, new piston and either a rebore or have the piston relined and
machined to fit the new piston.
Either way, it's a specialist job.
Look for a good 2nd hand engine of the same type or maybe try a different of
engine. I hear nothing but good thing about Daihatsu 2.8 engines.
Whatever you do, the first thing you should do is find out exactly *WHY* the
engine went bang. If the problem is solely in the exhaust then your new
engine will experience the same problem.
--
S3 SWB Petrol Hard-top
