Should I part it out or keep working on it?

Pulled the heads and jugs off the bike last night.
Cylinders and pistons are not worn.
The rub is that 10 years of storage outside with out plugs in the holes has done a job on the rings.


I am thinking that's great just put in the rings replace the base and head gaskets and I will have bike.

With a song in my heart and whistling a happy tune I walk into my local Yamaha dealer.

437 *insert expletive* bucks for rings, head and base gasket they tell me.

Is that over the top high? Any solutions or do I start cutting it up for parts and selling it on ebay?

I have dropped 500 into this project so far and frankly I am getting beyond my comfort level of spending much more on a bike I have never seen move under it's own power.

This is not a hobby. It was a gift to provide me with cheaper form of transportation. while I finish my degree. I am working on the budget of a full time student. I need this bike to run or get out of my life.

Suggestions?

 

Have you priced the necessary stuff through chacal (XJ4Ever?) Should be considerably less.

Otherwise, find another motor (or parts bike with good motor) and swap mills. Would probably be doable for a lot less than a rebuild, as long as the "new" motor has good compression.

 

dude I was in the same situation just a half year ago. go forth and do the work yourself if at all possible. I gained so much more knowledge and there really are nice people on here willing to assist you. for example, check out my 13 page thread from when I did this: checking cylinder compression

yes it was expensive (rings $225 from Len) base gasket, head gasket, etc. but once you lap the valves and redo it from top to bottom the motor is just about good as new. its a tough call but as you described, since you've got it this far I feel there is no going back.. lol Its your bike and your decision but I would say go for it!

 

I am looking at a engine on Ebay. The Yamaha guy said not to pay more than 200 bucks for a engine. We shall see. Not looking forward to driving 200 miles one way to get this. I will get with Xjforever guy to see what his prices are.

 

Just be sure to run a compression test on ANY motor BEFORE you buy it so you don't end up right back in the same boat but with TWO anchors.

 

Got lucky found a engine 20 miles from home. Going out Saturday to look at it

 

Pretty popular engine. If that one doesn't work, it shouldn't take long to find one.