Honda 350X ATC NOS Take Out, Motor Preparation

[arlaunch]

Howdy fellas,

I am the new owner of a never used NOS 350X motor.

Some thoughts of mine have been to pull the top end off, and have a look at everything. Re-install assembly lube. Also pull the clutch and soak the plates. (PITA)

Look at the electrical's blah blah blah

Does anybody have any experience, advise or suggestions on what i should do before i install the thing?

Thanks

[fabiodriven]

I think you're bonkers. I'd put oil in and run it.

[bkm]

I bought a 350x that sat in a field for 5 years and fired up after a carb clean. Stab the damn thing in there and run it. Don't over think things.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Aulbaugh]

Howdy fellas,

I am the owner of a never used NOS 350X motor.



That's awesome! What's your plans for it?

[arlaunch]

That's awesome! What's your plans for it?

I am going to put it into this fine bike. Unfortunately the one its replacing made a lot of metal and is out of commission until overhaul. Thats a different 1500 dollar story.

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag213/pnwgf/IMG_3423_zps1dbedd8e.jpg (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/pnwgf/media/IMG_3423_zps1dbedd8e.jpg.html)

[x-rider]

Nice looking bike.

[Aulbaugh]

I am going to put it into this fine bike. Unfortunately the one its replacing made a lot of metal and is out of commission until overhaul. Thats a different 1500 dollar story.



That is a Fine 86! That new motor is going to look great in it?

[Dirty200]

not one chance id be taking that thing apart. most of them are still running stock from 30yrs ago. fresh oil, fresh gas, haul ass!

[keister]

I have been part of several takeout motor installations. Just put it in and fire it up.
Your motor was started in Japan before shipping and started again at the dealer when it got here.
The oil in your case is likely still the "break in oil" from Honda.

Come to think of it, I did do something a little different with my 350X takeout...... see next post......

[keister]

This post is from me in March 2013:


While we are on the subject of oil, here's what I did.

March 19 -- Per the advice of Mr. Garry Crum, I filled the motor with as much 10W40 as it would hold. Probably about a gallon - so full it ran out the fill hole if I removed the dipstick. The idea was to get the 28 year-old clutch fibers soaking. I left that oil in for about 8 weeks. Every few nights I gave the motor a few good shakes to try to keep the clutch plates wet.

On rebuild day, I drained all that oil and added the Thumper. Also shelved the NOS OEM filter.
Yesterday, back to conventional oil and another new filter.

I have, in the past, avoided any synthetics in my 350X's. Reason being, it is too slippery and not good for the clutch. I never thought about that affect on the cylinder / rings. I decided on the Thumper because it is a much higher quality lubricant. Now I am second guessing my plan to change over the Bel Ray Thumper for my garage queen.

The clutch pulls, releases, and feels excellent now BTW. I do have a new set of fiber plates on the shelf prepared for the day that they inevitably give out. Just hope they last past TrikeFest drag races.

Three and a half years later and those original clutch plates are still in and going strong. Spares are still sitting in my toolbox. I have ridden this trike A LOT since then. I mean A LOT!!

So based on all that, drowning the fibers did work. I think if I were you, I would do that, then drain it down to normal level. Motor break in & oil change. First actual ride & second oil change - at that point I personally would switch to synthetic blend (Bel Ray Thumper or your personal preference).

I now run Thumper in all of my 350Xes, Big Reds, XR, FatCat, and probably soon in my ATC200s.
I won't get into an oil debate, everybody has their preference, I am just telling you what has worked well for me. Your results may vary.

Last thing, I would not even consider opening that motor up before riding it for at least 25 years.
Good Luck!!!

[keister]

...... And finally, here is a link to my build thread to give you some frame of reference. I noticed you weren't a member yet at that time.
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/149434-Keister-s-400X-build-VIDEO-Page-8

[Dirtcrasher]

Drain whatever oil is left in there, fill it and break it in with a few heat cycles.

It MIGHT need new OEM or Barnett clutch fiber plates in a year or so.

After heat cycles, beat the snot out of it!! I've done this 3X to 3 ox my 350X's and they are all perfect......