Replacing Piston rings FJ1100 ,Motor still in Bike

[wainot]

Hi , Can anyone please tell me if its possible to Re-Build a 85 FJ1100 Motor while the Motor is still in Bike .
Is it possible to remove the Head and Block ,If so any problems in doing so??
Looking at fitting  a new set of Piston Rings x 4  .
A light  Hone  the  Block ,,then Refit 
Then refit the Head with freshly seated Valves and new Stem seals  etc
Also I have been told  that you can not Buy Standard FJ1100 74mm Ring sets anymore , is this correct???
Would anyone have any idea where I could get a full set of 74mm FJ1100  rings from .
I am just thinking at putting a new set of rings in my 85 FJ1100  as the compression is down to 90psi
in each pot,
Just looking at all my options .
thanks for any info  that you can supply ,
regards Phil

[oldktmdude]

    Phil, the pistons and rings can be replaced with the engine in the frame no worries. Removing the cylinder block can be difficult due to corroded and dirty cylinder studs. I have from time to time seen std ring sets for sale on ebay, although usually only one cylinder at a time. Regards, Pete.

[movenon]

Hello ! Well I can answer a few of your questions.

Yes you can remove the head, cylinder, and pistons with the engine in the frame.
Any problems.. You will also have to remove the pan and clean it when you are done. Sometimes corrosion can make the job interesting.  Big time advice,  take your time and do not force anything.  If you get stumped then ask questions.

As for rings for the FJ 1100 I don't know but Randy at RPM can probably tell you. http://www.rpmracingca.com/products.asp?cat=39

There are the usual problems pulling apart an older air cooled engine. Broken studs, bolts, corrosion etc, so be prepared. Not saying you will have a problem.

Do you have a Service Manual?  Tools?  Space to do it?  Skill level?  Do you have time to take your time?  You might read through some of the "FJ project Write ups" section in this forum.

Something to consider also is just buying another FJ for the motor?  Parts are not inexpensive. Some things to think about anyhow.
George

[ribbert]

Hi , Can anyone please tell me if its possible to Re-Build a 85 FJ1100 Motor while the Motor is still in Bike .

As has been said several times, yes you can, but there is no way of avoiding all the crud from around the studs falling into the crankcase. All sorts of nasty fine grit and rust. You would at least have to remove the sump to clean it out and you are still left with all the crap that didn't fall all the way through and is stuck to all the oily bits, this is not the sort of thing you want to leave in there.

By the time you have disconnected everything necessary to remove the barrels, you are only a few bolts away from dropping the motor. Randy removes them in something like 20 mins. You can then tip the motor forward 90 deg while you remove the cylinders.

The workshop manual, like all of them, makes far more work of this process than is necessary. You don't need to remove the fairing, you don't have to disconnect the hydraulics, just unbolt them and swing them out of the way. With all the top end stuff already disconnected, it is obvious what is left holding the motor in, just follow your nose.

Feeding the rings into the cylinders when reassembling is also a PIA in situ.

Noel