Brass/gold colour particles in oil. .

[jakescool1234]

Dropped engine side and found a TINY amount of metal dust, of a gold/brass colour.

Upon research I believe this is rod bearing?

Should I be changing this now and stopping riding?

Is it likely to 'let go'?

Do they just wear or is this a sign of bad times ahead

Thanks all.

[paint it black]

exactly the same happened to me a few weeks back,with my xr250,

at the time i didnt realise it was an indication that the big end was on the way out,

the very next time i took the bike out ,after about 30 mins,started making a terrible rattle then locked up,the big end bearing had completely destroyed itself,

you wouldnt believe the amount of swarf and fileings i cleaned out of the bottom end , after i pulled it apart,

if i was you get it done before it goes

[jakescool1234]

Ah, that's not good.

Motor sounds fine which is weird.

So if I do tear down, should I just replace rod bearing or do the whole job while split?

[paint it black]

yea my motor sounded fine too,right up until 10seconds before it locked up,

when it gave a terrible death rattle,

i ordered a hot rods con rod kit for my xr, which consists of con rod,big end bearing,pin and the 2 big washers,was about £115 on ebay,been quoted £30 to fit it,

[FORMA MOTO]

Replace both bottom end bearings.

Do a visual inspection on the top end of the rod, which is usually worn out by this time too, so a new crank is in order.

[cubera]

Thrust washers are roached. Don't run it 'til you fix it and you might save yourself some money.

Edited May 31, 2011 by cubera

[i4bikes]

Replace both bottom end bearings.

Do a visual inspection on the top end of the rod, which is usually worn out by this time too, so a new crank is in order.

Trust washers are roached. Don't run it 'til you fix it and you might save yourself some money.

Both of these posts are right. It's a lot cheaper to replace the crank before the rod sticks itself out of the cases.

[jakescool1234]

Okay,

Plan is to get the money together and do a rebuild.

I don't see it as sensible to just replace these bearings while split, and also plan to do top end.

I want EVERYTHING that should be done to be done.

I will rebuild myself, for peace of mind and cost reasons.

So while I'm in there what shall I do?

New crank and rod? Or just bearings.

Will be doing top end also, it's probably well over due a piston. . ?

[i4bikes]

The way you go about it is up to you. Some guy's replace everything that moves. IMO measure all the parts after you take it apart and decide what is wore out, near wore out. or should be replaced because the part is timed out. Some parts are replaced because of service time and not because they have failed. Good Luck

[cubera]

Okay,

Plan is to get the money together and do a rebuild.

I don't see it as sensible to just replace these bearings while split, and also plan to do top end.

I want EVERYTHING that should be done to be done.

I will rebuild myself, for peace of mind and cost reasons.

So while I'm in there what shall I do?

New crank and rod? Or just bearings.

Will be doing top end also, it's probably well over due a piston. . ?

You're on the right track. You won't know for sure what's needed 'til you get it all apart but if you take it down before catastrophic failure you'll save yourself some headaches. Take your time and enjoy the project knowing it'll be better than new once you're finished:thumbsup:?

Edited May 31, 2011 by cubera

[Dust_Devil]

My 450x has been sitting for months because I found the copper flakes, I knew it was time to park it and plan on a full on re-build.

ANyone have a complete parts list for a botton end re-build?

[jakescool1234]

A full gasket and seal kit. Athena or

Similar sell these.

Honda seek 'kits';

A is top end gaskets and B is bottom.

Main bearings and seal kit.

Rod kit.

Cam chain. (and tensioner? May go manual)

Piston - OEM seems best for a long life.

Cam bearing if looking rough.

Stainless steel valves if your going the whole way with it.

Cylinder should be fine if you can still see cross hatching, no wear should be able to be felt, re hone for a new piston.

Balancer shaft bearings and seals.

Will need a flywheel puller.

Anything else anyone wants too add?

I also need to order from USA, from honda UK a crankshaft lists at £600!! In the US there $300!??

Mad.

[cubera]

Service Honda OEM Crankshaft $257. Found a Hotcams/Wiseco for $225. Need bearings, seals, gaskets but I would take it all down and order everything needed all at one time if possible.