Get it fixed or just buy a new engine?

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smithy674
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Get it fixed or just buy a new engine?

Post by smithy674 »

After talking to a few garages i have relized it is going to cost me a fair bit to get the cam chain and head gasket done on the bike. Not sure of the head gasket has gone but i think its on its way out the bike has done 24000 now. Would it be easier to buy a new engine and slowly get mine repaired over the coming months?
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masterofinsanity
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Re: Get it fixed or just buy a new engine?

Post by masterofinsanity »

wouldn't have thought it would be cheaper to get another engine especially not knowing if the new engine will be any better than the one you have.
Don't forget people there is more to the zxr400 than this forum... check out www.zxrworld.co.uk also.
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RedexRobB
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Re: Get it fixed or just buy a new engine?

Post by RedexRobB »

your looking at about 10-15 quid for the head gasket and about 20 or so for the cam chain, if you can do it yourself, do it. All your paying for is the labour when it comes to a garage doing the work.

If you must have a good engine speak to 'falloffslowly', he sells running engines and i think he can do any of the engine work you want aswell for a bit extra. Speak to Baz on 07727943464 or PM him - memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=354
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Re: Get it fixed or just buy a new engine?

Post by cargo »

If you chose to buy an engine you could be buying something that is in an even worse state than your own................it was for sale for a reason

Fix your own.................. do a complete overhaul............................ and you'll have something very close to a new engine................

Easy choice really somebody else's rubbish engine? or a new one?

Better still do both and overhaul both and you'll have a spare to keep or sell


finally your comitment to owning your bike must be considered.........will you be keeping it for a long time or flogging it off to buy something else next month ?
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smithy674
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Re: Get it fixed or just buy a new engine?

Post by smithy674 »

Im going to be keeping the bike for a while but dont know what to do for the best. The bike is in excellent condition and only just started giving me toad. Its just hit 24000 miles. How easy would it be to do the cam chain and head gasket? Would the head need to be skimmed? And what specialist tools would i need to fix it?
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Re: Get it fixed or just buy a new engine?

Post by cargo »

The only real special tool you would need is a torque wrench............for me it's a straight forward and easy job to replace the head gasket and fit a new camchain.
I'd do a few other tasks at the same time like lap the valves in and check the clearances.................

Two lazy days would cover it or if I was in a hurry one

BTW

Best done with engine out
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RedexRobB
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Re: Get it fixed or just buy a new engine?

Post by RedexRobB »

Head gasket can only be done with engine out cant it?

If the rest of the bike is mint then do the engine. Youll spend far more money into making it look nice than giving the engine a refresh.
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smithy674
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Re: Get it fixed or just buy a new engine?

Post by smithy674 »

Thanks guys been a massive help. Will drop the engine out and get to work. Don't go anywhere as i will more than likely need your advice during the process!!
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