BESIDES a leakdown test....

[BrianK]

Gotta go back in the motor this winter. Rear cylinder base gasket leaks (just needs a bit o' Yamabond, methinks...) and the front cylinder is a bit low on compression (compared to rear) and burning oil.

I don't have access to a leakdown tester. Any other quick and dirty tests to try to figure out whether the front cylinder needs rings (just put in new ones with the HC pistons within the last 2K miles, but who knows, maybe the gaps have aligned or I just didn't break 'em in properly - although I was careful on both scores) or maybe valve guides (other causes of oil burning? - those seem the likely candidates)?

Thanks folks - Brian

[motoxxx79]

compression tests can tell you alot too.....maybe borrow a borescope and take a look down and see if there is any scoring on the cylinder walls? Doesn't really sound like a big deal if you're gonna have it apart this winter anyway, would be a good time for some fresh rings regardless

[BrianK]

I have the figures from my last compression test somewhere but not handy...both absolute figures were okay (pretty good, actually) but there was a difference of more than 10% between cylinders which to me indicates a problem.

I will take a look at the cylinder walls when it's apart, and I've already invested in new rings and circlips. My main concern is given the labor (having been there a couple times now, I know the complete process will take me ~8 hours - mostly pure disassembly and reassembly; the actual job takes very little time), I want to deal with the valves IF NECESSARY while the motor's apart.

Thanks - Brian

[BrianK]

For those who're interested: Never did buy a compressor or leakdown tester, but bought a new set of rings and tore down the offending cylinder. Well, it wasn't hard to figure out the problem - an oil ring had broken (damned manufacturer!) or been misinstalled (damned installer - whoops, that's me - damned manufacturer!!!) and had gotten outside the ring land and gouged the living snot out of the cylinder. Bought a used cylinder and replaced the rings and all is gut! For now....!