Help! Weird Big End Problem XL600.

[thedktor]

.
Took the barrel off some days back, and the big end looked in great shape – very smooth and the con-rod good and tight.

Left it a few days and the bl**dy thing had completely seized up! What the &^%$…..????

Tapped it with rubber mallet and all free and smooth again. Thoroughly flushed it with WD, then petrol, left it a few hours and its seized again! What the hell?

Easily freed by hand this time, and all super smooth and tight once released. Left it overnight and it seized up again!!!

Now, the oil was in a shocking state when I drained it. Is it possible there is some gunge, resin or sommat that is drying up on exposure to air and causing the seizure?

Or is it just shafted. Frustratingly there is no slot or gap in the ’rod to be able to see the bearing…..

If the big end needs doing then I feel the bike is beyond economic repair, but at the moment I just don’t know if it does or not!!

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

- Steve

[Neilios]

.
Took the barrel off some days back, and the big end looked in great shape – very smooth and the con-rod good and tight.

Left it a few days and the bl**dy thing had completely seized up! What the &^%$…..????

Tapped it with rubber mallet and all free and smooth again. Thoroughly flushed it with WD, then petrol, left it a few hours and its seized again! What the hell?

Easily freed by hand this time, and all super smooth and tight once released. Left it overnight and it seized up again!!!

Now, the oil was in a shocking state when I drained it. Is it possible there is some gunge, resin or sommat that is drying up on exposure to air and causing the seizure?

Or is it just shafted. Frustratingly there is no slot or gap in the ’rod to be able to see the bearing…..

If the big end needs doing then I feel the bike is beyond economic repair, but at the moment I just don’t know if it does or not!!

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

- Steve

If in doubt replace it, better now than later!!! Just my 2p worth.

[thedktor]

Well I would normally replace the bearing but being out of work I can't just throw money at this bike....

However, after a more thorough soaking and flushing the bearing stayed loose overnight after drying out.... so I'm hoping its ok.....

Steve

[Neilios]

I understand, I would continue the process until your100% happy that it wont lock up in the engine, did you fined any other bearings in a similar condition?

[thedktor]

Yes I will flush and leave a few more times I think.

Other bearings are ok, but like I said the oil was in a terrible state. The thing is it would only cost me a few hours (of which I have plenty) to get the thing running again, and if the big end is knackered I'm sure it will become apparent quite soon!