Need advice for replacement '86 250R motor...

[Xhumeka]

Hi guys - I recently picked up a project '86 250R, but the motor is in pretty sad shape - someone tried fixing a broken case by welding it. The problem is it seems to have been welded by a 6 year old ;)

I'm thinking of biting the bullet and paying for a used motor from either eBay or the classifieds here - but I'm a little confused by posts and eBay ads stating the TRX 250R engine for years 86-89 are a direct bolt-in to the ATC frame.

I'm not restoring my machine, I'm simply looking for a reliable ride - so that being said what are my options for a motor replacement? Can I use an '85-'86 ATC motor, or an 86-89 TRX motor? Does it matter in any way shape or form, or should I simply look for the motor in the best shape from any of these years?

Thanks a lot for any advice - I'm in no rush as this will likely be a winter project, I just want to make sure I get my moneys worth in the end!

[ceaserthethird]

Well it's all ways hit or miss, Sellers are less than honest & some will not mention if any damage to case's/ striped drain plug ect.

Also some don't have a clue, or they claim motor is perfect
To them but it's their opinion and it differs from yours.

Sad but true !

[Dirtcrasher]

Get a set from Kasey, last I knew he had some.......

If you want good case protectors and threads, I'd rather buy them from an honest guy than an EBAY seller.

Unless there ad says "Perfect case, case saver bolts intact, no stripped holes" and with 100% feedback, I wouldn't take a chance....

[Xhumeka]

Get a set from Kasey, last I knew he had some.......

If you want good case protectors and threads, I'd rather buy them from an honest guy than an EBAY seller.

Are you suggesting I get a set of cases from Kasey, or just the case-savers? Either way thanks for the advice!

But bottom line is that I can look for any ATC motors (85-86) OR TRX motors (86-89) - correct?

[leviblue]

the motors are the same direct bolt-ins. If you can get an 88-89 motor get it. Ebay is Ebay and just get a good look at the left case, you want to be able to put a case saver on it. No matter what you get your gonna wanna tear the top end off to check it out unless you buy one of those polished jobs for $1500. If you can find a new left case get ready to shell out some dough, the last 2 I got back in march cost me $320 each and they were NOS in the honda packages. Consider for around $350-600 you can get a whole motor and have the extra parts for a later time. How bad is your case?? Can you get us a pic you might be able to get it repaired right and save some cash

[Xhumeka]

How bad is your case?? Can you get us a pic you might be able to get it repaired right and save some cash

I'll see if I can get a good picture of it tonight, but it's a MESS. I don't want to even attempt to split the cases it's THAT bad.

It's hard to see in this video, but here's a preview - again, better pics will follow tonight...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRPnnuBYvVw

[Mosh]

That engine does not look bad.

If it is just the left case, those are still available new.."I hear". The right side is discontinued.

Either way, buying a engine off Ebay is sketchy unless you get one from that guy in Surprize Arizona. He sells nice stuff, but you will pay for it too.

You could go through that engine for about a grand, top to bottom with a new case and crank and top end, or spend 600-1000 on a used one, and not know what you are getting.
Seen a guy pay 1865$ for a "professional" built 265 PV engine on Ebay. 2 years later it needed a rebuild, and whoever "professionally" built mashed it, the poo out of the crank webs when they pressed the rod in..The crank was shot.

[cattle-dog]

buying any used motor is a crap shoot no matter who the seller is even if they test it, the motor may only last a short time, i have a ebay seller that i deal with for tons of parts i sell to him he sells to me, i bought a motor from him used and it still is screaming a year later for 400 bucks, if your interested in contacting him shoot me a pm i will give you his email, i trust him 100% cattledog

[leviblue]

[QUOTE=Mosh;927466]That engine does not look bad.

If it is just the left case, those are still available new.."I hear". The right side is discontinued.

Mosh if you can find NEW Left cases TELL ME WHERE!!!!!! I'd buy 2 more just to have them.
Your case doesnt look too bad and if it doesn't leak then use it. You said it's gonna be a rider only. Just clean-up the welds. Once you ride it when it's done you'll get rid of that Banshee and build a motor for it....LOL

[weldermacias@ya]

what up from arizona!!! go all out!!!!!!!!!!! im thinking of selling my 1986 cr 500 from my beast to go for a newer cr 500 motor, if you want to id sell my engine to you, but id only sell the engine alone, let me know what you think? it would make your trike a force to recon with*********

[Xhumeka]

Like I said - that video did not do the damage justice... here are some more detailed pics:

http://www.ragefaction.info/images/psych0/orv/1986_Honda_250R_ATC/1.jpg

http://www.ragefaction.info/images/psych0/orv/1986_Honda_250R_ATC/2.jpg

http://www.ragefaction.info/images/psych0/orv/1986_Honda_250R_ATC/3.jpg


weldermacias@ya : what's wrong with your existing motor that you want a newer one?

[Dirtcrasher]

At least it wasn't JBweld........ :D

[KASEY]

wow you weren't kidding!!! i think a 5 year old could weld better than that!!!! wow never seen one that bad,,, as posted earlier.. if it is not leaking,,, run it till it blows!!! just start locating parts now ,,, that way you won't have to drop a big chunk of change at once...

[Spark'y]

hmmm looks like mig weld on cast alu never does look pretty but it works

[leviblue]

Thats real pretty but if it works go beat it up till it blows. Build a new motor in the meanwhile. JUST BEAT IT

[Dirtcrasher]

It's gotta have been mig welded (probably with the wrong gas) or oxy/acet with a bunch of filler rods.....

Did it leak? you must have removed the shift shaft seal.

[Xhumeka]

It's gotta have been mig welded (probably with the wrong gas) or oxy/acet with a bunch of filler rods.....

Did it leak? you must have removed the shift shaft seal.

Yes - the shift shaft seal has been removed (what was left of it). I have a new one ready to go. According to my buddy who I purchased it from it was leaking from the shift shaft - so hopefully the seal will fix that.

I'm going to replace the clutch, bolt it in (after I fix one of the front motor mounts on the frame where a bolt sheared off flush with the frame) and see how she runs. I'm going to take everyone's advice and "run 'er till she blows!!!"

[Dirtcrasher]

There's no shame in doing what you can.

Make sure that shift shaft isn't bent. Lots of thrown chains break the case and then bend the shift shaft and then the new seal is offset a couple mm's........ I't will weep and leak again........

I highly doubt that puppys on center :D

[leviblue]

let me know about that shaft I have an extra one if you need it

[Aka_am]

Wow that is some ugly welding! Maybe grind it all out and have someone else weld it up?

[beets442]

I gotta piston for that motor http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/beets442/magainxepics0208mwjn6.jpg

[Jeepermc]

Holy mother of God!........That is some kinda ugly!......But you know what? Stupid motor will probably run for years just like that....