I
IanW
Guest
Hi guys, this is my first post after browsing the site with much admiration for the knowledge here I'm asking for a bit of help.
I'm busy building a 650 katana out of a bunch of old parts and junk. Time consuming but so far very rewarding.
So far I am still at the stripping / cleaning / measuring and cataloging stage, and things are going pretty well except for 2 problems. I have been chatting a few people here in South Africa about these, and there seems to be a variety of opinions. So I thought I'd ask for your opinions too and try to build up a consensus!
Problem No 1: (the main one) - Crankshaft. All 6 main journals seem to be fine, 3 of the crank pins are hovering just under the limit, while the 4th is way undersized and oval (0.3mm in one axis and 0.8 in the other). Obviously oil starved at some point. (And probably why I picked the engine up cheap!) My options so far seem to be:
Option 1) Weld the bad crank pin, straighten, and grind all 4 crank pins down to the first U/S bearing shells (0.25mm U/S). Assuming I can source the shells, the shop will match the crank pins to the bearings.
Option 2) Hard chrome all crank pins and re-grind back to stock.
Option 3) Find another crankshaft. (Unlikely to happen).
As you can imagine, I want to make the right decision here.
Problem No 2: Signal generator plate. I don't have one. I do, however, have a GS 550M signal plate. Would that work in my bike if the correct wiring connections are done? (it seems from the circuit diagrams that one end of the 650 pulse generator coils are connected together and earthed, while the 550's are routed to the igniter). Surely they are just coils with a magnet? or do they have different windings? etc etc.
One last point, here in South Africa it is difficult and expensive to order parts from overseas due to unreliable and expensive postage plus HORRENDOUS exchange rate. If I have to buy parts then I will, but I would rather not!
Oh yes, if I am really stuck, then I could possibly build up the parts as a GS 550 with 650 top end. The 550 gear box and crankshaft which I have seem to be good, but I really wanted the shaft drive. Also the nearly new seat I found is for a 650, about an inch and a half longer than the 550 seat... Like I said, it's all good fun!
Thanks guys, hope to hear from you.
Ian
I'm busy building a 650 katana out of a bunch of old parts and junk. Time consuming but so far very rewarding.
So far I am still at the stripping / cleaning / measuring and cataloging stage, and things are going pretty well except for 2 problems. I have been chatting a few people here in South Africa about these, and there seems to be a variety of opinions. So I thought I'd ask for your opinions too and try to build up a consensus!
Problem No 1: (the main one) - Crankshaft. All 6 main journals seem to be fine, 3 of the crank pins are hovering just under the limit, while the 4th is way undersized and oval (0.3mm in one axis and 0.8 in the other). Obviously oil starved at some point. (And probably why I picked the engine up cheap!) My options so far seem to be:
Option 1) Weld the bad crank pin, straighten, and grind all 4 crank pins down to the first U/S bearing shells (0.25mm U/S). Assuming I can source the shells, the shop will match the crank pins to the bearings.
Option 2) Hard chrome all crank pins and re-grind back to stock.
Option 3) Find another crankshaft. (Unlikely to happen).
As you can imagine, I want to make the right decision here.
Problem No 2: Signal generator plate. I don't have one. I do, however, have a GS 550M signal plate. Would that work in my bike if the correct wiring connections are done? (it seems from the circuit diagrams that one end of the 650 pulse generator coils are connected together and earthed, while the 550's are routed to the igniter). Surely they are just coils with a magnet? or do they have different windings? etc etc.
One last point, here in South Africa it is difficult and expensive to order parts from overseas due to unreliable and expensive postage plus HORRENDOUS exchange rate. If I have to buy parts then I will, but I would rather not!
Oh yes, if I am really stuck, then I could possibly build up the parts as a GS 550 with 650 top end. The 550 gear box and crankshaft which I have seem to be good, but I really wanted the shaft drive. Also the nearly new seat I found is for a 650, about an inch and a half longer than the 550 seat... Like I said, it's all good fun!
Thanks guys, hope to hear from you.
Ian
