Just turned over 120,000 miles on my 2002 VTX1800! She pulls strong and still has a lot of git-up-n-go, however definitely got more vibration and noise going on in the engine than I think is good. Pretty sure I need to replace cams due to decompression lobe banging around and was wondering what else might be a good call to replace while I have engine out of frame. I’d like to get another 100,000 miles on this bike and have been replacing other parts as the years past but have never had engine out of frame.
What about replacing oil pump / water pump? How about the timing chain/tensioner? In any case would those of you in the 100,000 mile (+) club and those that have opened up their engines please let me know what you have replaced?
Thanks in advance!!
Popeye
As long as you have it torn down, I'd replace rings and wrist pins. As for the cam I would look for a bigger one if it's available. I'm sure it would make your gas mileage suck a little more but people don't ride a VTX to enjoy fuel economy. It's all about torque and power and if there's a cam available that could enhance that then go for it! :tools::mcrider:
Thanks. I'm already at the "danger zone" with the power this engine puts out!!! Dang just can't seem to avoid cracking that throttle!! So I'm sticking to oem - just want to walk the line between avoiding mech issues and replacing things I don't need to.
Thought about it ...but after 120,000 miles, I don't have the heart to junk her. Plus I've kept up with the maintenence so rest of bike is in good shape.
that's what I did after I put 150k on both my engines, just get a good low mileage engine swap them out and go ride. If you want you can rebuild your old engine at your own pace
Adjusted valves every 8000 miles. Kept up with maintence pretty well. I'll take a look at the engine swap. Just getting an idea of the job at this point.
Replaced the pistons and rings. Honed the cylinders and installed new valves and valve seals. Had a local machine shop cut and polish the head to set the new valves (not expensive and the pros did a great job). Then put in 6500 more miles in 2 weeks riding from Virginia Beach, VA to Nashville, New Orleans, Dallas, Monument Valley UT, Sturgis SD (for the 75th) then back to Virginia Beach! Ran like a rocket!!! Got 136,000 miles on it now and still running strong! I'm hoping to make 200,000 before I have to tear into the crankcase and change the cylinders. Sooo..... to that end... anyone hit 200k on their 1800 yet???
Very interested in this and your other thread (High Mileage) Popeye. I am getting up there (106,000), and like you, would rather repair this engine than replace it (if possible). Since I am also on a '02 I would like to know what degree of major side piston scuffing you found? Although I have no way to know for sure, I have always thought most of the scuffing issues with these engines were due to running at too low rpm. Also, what was your piston to cylinder clearance with the new pistons and honed cylinders? Thanks for any info you might pass along, and keep on riding! I can't stay off the bike or throttle either. Jimbo
Have a lot of pics and info when you do tear into your engine. I could have gone more miles before pulling the pistons however I think my timing was just right. Scuffing was more on front cylinder than rear. Also the decompression lobe that I 'thought' was banging around (while it wasn't working - compression check confirmed) was not the cause. Front cylinder rocker arms moving left to right is what is causing the clacking. Anyhow, I'll get some pics posted tomorrow that should help you gage the issue. Also after new piston and rings my clearance was right at max, however no noticeable oil loss and lots of compression! Would NOT recommend going oversize pistons for many reasons... will explain more tomorrow (i'm on the road)
Check out my older post "piston scoring on one side..." for pics.
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