Compression issue

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Moneymike
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Compression issue

Post by Moneymike »

I have a 1987 Honda spree with 6,000 miles that I recently purchased. Rode it a few times then it started being hard to start and keep idling without giving it gas then started smoking and dying after about 20 min or so. I tested compression and got 90psi so I pulled top end apart and thought it didn't really look too bad but I'd like your opinions please. You can catch the vertical scratches with your fingernail. Also after more thinking I realized it started doing this after I pulled oil pump and put in a plug from scooterswapshop and running premix. Could this be the problem? Wish I would have put pump back in before I pulled it apart.
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motormike
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Re: Compression issue

Post by motormike »

90 lbs. compression is below the acceptable number.(more like 120# needed)
Scoring on cylinder that catches a fingernail is a problem.
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Re: Compression issue

Post by Moneymike »

Thanks. Now to decide if I was to be a cheap * and go stock or big bore.
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eclark5483
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Re: Compression issue

Post by eclark5483 »

I'd go stock. A BBK takes too much effort. Probably cheaper to just do an engine swap and you'll get more out of it. See this post: http://hondaspree.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=34653

Careful of those eBay pistons too.
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Meatball
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Re: Compression issue

Post by Meatball »

Leave it stock...if you want more performance, look to a motor swap.

The Spree motorÔÇÖs best uses:
1) left stock and happily zip around going 30mph for thousands of miles with a huge grin while getting ÔÇ£thumbs upÔÇÖsÔÇØ from everyone.
2) paper weight
3) door stop
4) boat anchor
5) melted down and used to make cheap jewelry to sell at the swap meet

(Jk about #5)
I need to find some new haters...the ones I have are starting to like me.
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Re: Compression issue

Post by Moneymike »

Anyone have any experience with the niche brand cylinder kit on eBay? Currently $39
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eclark5483
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Re: Compression issue

Post by eclark5483 »

From what I have heard, the Niche brand pistons have brittle rings. And really, that's the main problem with the stuff on eBay.. bad rings. I suppose you could always buy a kit, then buy some rings from Honda. Look for part# 13011-GAB-305

I'm also showing the piston, clips, and pin are also still available from: https://www.hondapartshouse.com/oempart ... aft-piston
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Re: Compression issue

Post by Moneymike »

Awesome. Thanks for the link
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bonesv
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Re: Compression issue

Post by bonesv »

Some parts dealers show different inventory so I would call or email first to verify stock before you send money and find out two weeks later that something is no longer available.
Just a FYI
http://www.2wheelpros.com/oem-parts/198 ... embly.html
http://shop.jerseyshorepowersports.com/ ... fveh=14178
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Re: Compression issue

Post by Moneymike »

Thanks guys. Also I'm hearing when you get a new head you should hone it first?
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eclark5483
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Re: Compression issue

Post by eclark5483 »

That again, depends on the brand and quality. I am assuming you mean cylinder, not head BTW. But anyways, what you'll see on the more low quality stuff, is alot of slag on the ports, maybe some jagged edges. Honing probably isn't needed, but do check the ports and clean them up a bit with a file just to smoothen them out a bit, don't grind on it too much (unless of course you know the basics of porting), the idea is just smooth it up a bit to help intake and exhaust breathe a bit easier.
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Re: Compression issue

Post by Moneymike »

Yeah sorry meant cylinder.
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eclark5483
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Re: Compression issue

Post by eclark5483 »

Just try to remember, when it comes to engine parts, always try to find Honda brand/sold parts first, then look for aftermarket. Honda Certified parts will give you better life and use out of your Spree. I'd trust a well kept up cylinder/piston from a used Spree, before I would anything aftermarket.
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Re: Compression issue

Post by bradmeehan »

eclark5483 wrote: Careful of those eBay pistons too.
I second that. My standard kit from eBay is crap. The piston is almost too big for the cylinder it came with, and there are no markings or color variances on the rings to know which is which.
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Re: Compression issue

Post by Moneymike »

If my piston looks fine do you guys think it would be ok to buy new Honda rings and find a new cylinder?
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