[Rhino81]

I got a new to me 2006 Suzuki Boulevard c50 vl800 with just a shade under 15k mileage.

I’ve been working to bring back to life, it had been sitting for a few years in a garage. Finally got it were I felt comfortable to start and run it. I then I had a hiccup as it started to blow(smoke stack style) white smoke out the front cyl exhaust pipe. Shut it down and seen what I believe is water draining out rhe bottom of air filter housing. So I’m taken it the front cyl head gasket has blown. Tho I won’t know for sure till motor is out of bike and todown.

What other items might I be looking at/for while I have it tore down??

Where’s a good place to source a full gasket kit? (Rather not piece one together)

Anything else besides multiple gaskets, o-rings, and fluids might I need to replace?


My Research has showed one item. The timing chains can stretch prematurely. Not sure this would be a concern on a bike with about 15k on it tho.


Plan is to start tomorrow on removal then. Once I get it out tear down before I order parts to start the rebuild process

Thanks for any info or help,
AJ

 

[Skrapiron]

Before you tear into the project, do a compression check. If either cylinder is lower than 152psi, the engine is junk. If it is between 211 and 185psi, plan on timing chains, chain tensioner and guides, head gasket for both cylinders, engine gaskets for the clutch side at a minimum. Parts will be around $700 and there is no aftermarket options. If there is much more wrong with that engine, I'd suggest scrapping it and getting a used one from the junk yard.

 

[Rhino81]

Did a compression test before I stated tear down

Front cyl 198psi(one that blew head gasket)
Rear cyl 180psi(it might be higher battery got to weak)

With those numbers it’s still good but I should replace timing chain, guides, and tensioner?

Thanks,
AJ

 

[Skrapiron]

The front is fine. The rear is already worn and will continue to lose compression as you ride. Save the $$$ and buy a new engine.

 

[Skrapiron]

It's a question of cost. At this point you're looking at $700 in parts alone to put the bike back on the road, not including labor. For a few hundred more, you can get a new-used engine that should be in running order and get the bike back on the road. Engine tear down and rebuild costs spiral out of control quickly so it becomes a cost benefit consideration.

 

[Rhino81]

Labor is my time so cost is cheap for me.
Parts cost include gasket set, timing chains, guides, and tensioners is about $600ish. Tho that cost doesnt include fluids that will have to be replaced or anything else I may find in need of replacing.

It’s not what I would like to be spending money on but a rebuild by me. Outweighs a chance with another motor as it could be in worse shape. It’s not like they are building new ones and I haven’t seen/located any rebuilders that sale them.

1st I need to tear down motor to verify thats all I need to repair. Then assess whether it’s worth the repair or I’m better off finding a replacement motor.

thanks for the info
AJ

 

[Rhino81]

Also if I decide to replace or need to replace clutch and springs that’s an extra $200

 

[Whiskey]

Just to play devil's advocate for you. Let's be realistic, you're probably going to hit $1k in parts and the bike is probably worth at least $500, even with a blown engine. That's $1,500 that could be put towards a new bike or another engine. I'm not trying to tell you what to do, just offering the alternative options. I wouldn't do the rebuild unless you actually enjoy doing rebuilds, but the decision is yours. Good luck, and we're here to try to help if you decide to move forward with rebuilding it.

 

[Skrapiron]

Over the course of the years, members by the hundreds have tried exactly what you are looking to do, including myself. The fact of the matter remains, the engines in these bikes is not very robust, they wear out very quickly compared to their counterparts on the market and rebuild components are prohibitively expensive. If there were some residual value in the frame that justified the expense, it would be a completely different matter. But when you stop and consider that you can replace the entire engine for about what you're going to spend in parts, or replace the entre BIKE for about $2500, does it make financial sense to worry about fixing what you have? Like Bryan said, we're not trying to tell you what to do. We're trying to give you options that might make better financial sense....

 

[Rhino81]

yes I agree at some point I may have to cut my losses. It’s just tough to know when you hate to give up.
Thought I’d done good research on this bike as to know issues that might be of concern. Tho considering it only had 15k I didn’t think it would have any major issues or costly repairs just yet.

as it stands weighing the options of

1) cutting my loss sell bike as is

2) $200 cost
cutting corners and doing just head gaskets only no timingchain/guides/tensioner (considering that nothings broken or horribly bad) this May get me a few miles of riding before more problems need to be addressed. If it doesn’t fail right away

3) $600-1k cost
new gaskets, timing chains, guides, tensioner and hope that last longer than an opt 1 before more/other issues

4) $1500-1800
buy used motor which is still a crap shoot on if it gonna have problems sooner rather than later Best opt I’ve found on fleabay is bout $1,600 with 10k miles or so with guarantee tho most require a certified mechanic install for guarantee warranty. Also ain’t too many good opts on EBay currently. So I may be waiting awhile for a good buy.

This is a tough call I hate doing things halfa$$ mechanic wise cheapest opt. Tho I hate to dump money into what amounts to a money pit. I don’t really have sentimental value with bike so spending an arm and leg just doesn’t make a lot of good financial sense either.


not sure what I want to do….

Thanks for the your insights even if it not always what I wanna read/hear.

Thanks,
AJ

 

[Whiskey]

Just remember that the people who tell you what you want to hear aren't trying to help, the people who tell you what you need to hear are. I don't envy you in having to make the decision.

 

[Rhino81]

Has anybody had experience with the non-branded timing chains off eBay?

Price alone would shave bout $200 off on overall cost to rebuild. Barring no unforeseen items when I tear down.


I do realize cheaper ain’t always good parts especially over the last few years. I’ve noticed a big hit/miss dip in durability and quality on new parts even with OEM parts.

 

[Skrapiron]

It's your bike and your money. Personally, I'd sell it for scrap and get something that runs.

 

[Rhino81]

just for info so far the only thing I’ve found is head gasket had separated

No visible damage to surfaces

still need to check that both surfaces are for sure flat and clean up everything

feel motor still looks to be in pretty good shape over all
I may get flack for it but I’m opting for just replacing gaskets and slapping it back together. Kinda it’s not broke so don’t fix it unnecessarily

I Figure if it blows or breaks again I’m just gonna replace motor anyways. No need to dump a ton of money into timing chains.

here are few pics

Front cyl had water rear cyl had a little oil so it maybe eating oil too

So far I’m out the $200ish for gasket set, new cam washers, fluids, and my time.

Hopefully try to fire it up next few weeks when I get all the parts in.

 

[Skrapiron]

If the gasket separated, that is a clear indication that the engine was overheated and the head is now warped. Also, it is definitely burning oil. Save the money you were about to throw away and just buy another engine. You'll thank us later.