Kick starter spindle problems

[373rock]

I have a 1974 gold ct 70. Kickstarter is not engaging at all just spinning. kick starter Spindle also move in and out inside of engine. had been able to bump start it. I know I am going to have to crack the case to fix. Should I replace every thing or just buy new engine.

Thanks

Carl

[Miniac]

Originally Posted by 373rock

. . . . Should I replace every thing or just buy new engine.

Thanks

Carl

Hi Carl, and welcome.

To answer your question, it depends on how much you want to spend, how mechanically talented you are, and what you want to end up with. If you don't have any reservations about tearing into the engine I'd do that first and see what it's going to take to fix it. If it turns out to be a cheap fix then you come out way ahead. And it doesn't cost anything to take it apart, . . . except for time. But if you're craving more power, hate getting greasy, and like to spend money, go ahead and buy an engine. See what I mean?

-kevin

[hondaman]

If you take it somewhere to have the work done[thats even if you can find someone to work on it] you will be farther ahead just buying a new and bigger engine. If you can do the work yourself then it may jusy pay to rebuild the engine.

[Bullant]

What are your future plans for your bike? Honda motors have been going and going for decades and will provide many years of reliable riding. Having said that, reliability of Chinese motors has improved somewhat. Many reliability rumours came about in the early chinese motor days, but few seem to shed any real light on mass produced problems recently.
Are you restoring or modifying? How much do you want to spend? Is it your best friend needing open heart surgery, or just another broken bike?

[HymieP]

Honda engines are rock solid and even in horrible condition, can be restored to "like new" running condition. If you don't want the engine, let me know I'll buy it.

[kd460]

If you can do the work yourself, your looking at less than $100 bucks.

If you have it apart, depending upon the miles, hone the cylinder, new rings and piston, and a valve job. Now your into about $300 depending upon where you get the parts and who you can get to do the cylinder honing.

Replacement cylinders are pretty cheap, and lapping valves is easy. Sounds like a fun little winter project.

A new larger engine would be fun also, which ever you choose, good luck. KD

[373rock]

I will do most the work myself. I've worked on 5 hp briggs w/ mini bikes and go kart. Not an expert but willing to learn. Now have the bug for ct 70's. have the 74 and a blue 69. Want to do the work myself. Have already dissassembled most of the 69 want to get that as close to original as possible. I was working on installing new wiring harness and switches today on the 74. Can get it running by bump starting it but I want to make it right. Cost is not a big problem. The more original the better.
Thanks for any input.
Carl

[Miniac]

Originally Posted by kd460

. . . . Replacement cylinders are pretty cheap, and lapping valves is easy. Sounds like a fun little winter project. . . .

Also, there are oversized pistons available; the stock cylinder can be bored. Just one other option.

-kevin

[skipinout]

I have had two Honda engines redone completely -- one didn't need much in parts and cost $430.00, the second engine needed alot of work and it cost $550.00 plus the cost of shipping ($30.00) each way -- I always think about the Lifan motors I see (110cc,125cc and up) for under $400.00 but I don't know how long these will hold like the Honda motors -- I have a Lifan 110cc in a ct and has been perfect motor and starts with one kick everytime. I think that if you want to hold the value of the bike redo the Honda engine -- if it is a rider the 110cc,125cc or the 138cc Lifan can't be beat for the money. And the Lifan's have the 12volt CDI with the lighting coils that are great, My Honda engines that have the 6volt lighting coils suck for lighting anything. If you need the name of the Honda guy I use let me know, I have a good friend who uses another guy and He is happy with him as well -- these guys are for stock Honda motors only-- no mods --but come back perfect --

[373rock]

If you could pass on the info I would appreciate it. I have two honda motors. I may attempt to rebuild them but I am not sure yet. I live in Michigan.

Thanks

Carl