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Just broke down on highway

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by smeagol21b, Aug 14, 2016.

  1. smeagol21b

    smeagol21b Active Member

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    Ok so I just got the call from the shop today...... First thing first, is my engine a non interference engine?(please say yes!) Secondly the chain did snap....as well as one of the camshaft sprockets! He wasn't sure with my particular engine how far he would have to disassemble it in order to check to see if the piece of sprocket got shredded by the engine or if it's just resting peacefully at the bottom so he didn't continue any further without consulting me and asking my input on how I'd like to proceed, he even suggested that I take it somewhere to work on what I can to save me labor fees.... If nothing else to check out the damage instead of having him do it all.... So I'm either going to get very lucky and just need to replace chain and a sprocket or looking at over 1000 dollars to fix a whole lot of damage.....which also means my riding season is over till next year as there is no way I can afford that bill right now.....any thoughts or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!! ( And maybe a few beers to drown my sorrows)
     
  2. TheCrazyGnat

    TheCrazyGnat Well-Known Member

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    Unfortunately, all XJ's are interference.

    Copying some info from our conversation here:

    Well, at the very least you would need to replace the sprocket and chain, I would probably replace both sprockets since the other one failed, I assume it is in similar condition. My guess would be that the sprocket is at the bottom of the sump, so you would need to remove the exhaust (or at least the collector, to get at that.) Ideally you would remove the head to check for valve damage, but that opens up a while can of worms. You can replace the sprocket and chain, as well as checking the sump without any major work, but if one or more of the valves are toast, you'll need to remove the head, which can be done with the rest of the engine in frame.

    I think that, especially if this is going to be done somewhere else, you might as well pull the head because doing all the absolutely required work only to find that you DID bend valves would just set you back even further.
     
  3. smeagol21b

    smeagol21b Active Member

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    And unfortunately I don't know where I could do this work cause I'd need to keep my bike there for and extended period of time....
     
  4. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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  5. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Smeag...... I might have an engine-----I'll call you, too.

    Regardless, you can get a replacement engine for a whole lot less than that----
     
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  6. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    define "a whole lot"
    that's around the e-bay price without carbs, or the rest of the bike and a hour away
    just sayin'
     
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  7. smeagol21b

    smeagol21b Active Member

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    That is a good price for a whole bike right now I'm in a real financial hard spot which makes it very hard to make big purchases over 100 dollars....
     
  8. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    Why do you have it at a shop if you have no $$$?
    Those guys/ kids are probably younger than the bike and aren't going to lovingly care/ repair it like you will yourself. Then there's that $75/ hour labor fee . . . .
     
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  9. smeagol21b

    smeagol21b Active Member

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    Actually this guy is very good with bikes and has better prices than anyone else near me, the reason I have at I shop is because Im not aloud to do vehicle work in our parking lot(townhouse) ...gnat said I can work on it at his place but he is also I've an hour away from me so just what I'd spend in gas would just about make up for what what I'd be saving from the shop....yes there are younger than my bikes but they are both honest and the owner has been really good with me on the work and prices, if he finds something that's going to cost me a lot of money for me to do he stops work, consults me and tries to give me more options and how to do the work elsewhere for cheaper or myself to avoid service costs....they are truly the rare breed of mechanics that care more about your personal satisfaction than making a buck!
     
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  10. smeagol21b

    smeagol21b Active Member

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    Trying to get ahold of a guy near me that that has a 1985 xj650 maxim for sale for 200.....if able to get it gnat and I are planning on parting it out after I get the the engine off...... here's hoping....
     
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  11. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Except there is no such thing as a 1985 xj650 Maxim.
     
  12. smeagol21b

    smeagol21b Active Member

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    Thanks again for the call and the info!
     
  13. TheCrazyGnat

    TheCrazyGnat Well-Known Member

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    Good catch,I didn't even notice that, looked like an 81-83 to me.
     
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  14. smeagol21b

    smeagol21b Active Member

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    Unsure gnat sure....nice save buddy ;)lol
     
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  15. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    It's 82-83.......YICS cover--80-81 was non-yics
     
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  16. smeagol21b

    smeagol21b Active Member

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    Well here is my latest update.... Looks like I need new cam shafts too....haven't gotten to valves yet, should hear something soon about the leak down test....
     

    Attached Files:

  17. TheCrazyGnat

    TheCrazyGnat Well-Known Member

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    Got my fingers crossed for you. I believe in miracles!
     
  18. smeagol21b

    smeagol21b Active Member

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    Thanks buddy! Unless I find some amazing deals on parts I think my riding season is over for this year, I'll have to nibble away at this fix over the winter until it's done.... I. Just praying my valves are ok!
     
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  19. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    that'll buff right out
     
  20. lostboy

    lostboy Well-Known Member

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    A bit of JB weld and your laughing! ;)
     
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