[LiquiDrums]

My GSXR has a loose rod where a bearing is missing. It's caused damage to the Crank Shaft.

I was thinking about getting another CrankShaft and replacing it and putting a new bearing on the rod. Would this probably fix the problem? I asked the mechanic and he said "that'd fix it, but good luck finding one!"

I found a '98 (which supposed to fit the '99 also) crank shaft.

I'd rather try this solution out instead of buying a used motor for $1,000 - $1,500, then pay $500 in labor just to drop it in.

Should i go the cheap route and hope for the best? THe rod has NOT thrown, and the mechanic said there was only damage to the crankshaft.

It's making a clicking/clacking noise and is still drivable (but i'm not driving it).

 

[87gsxrnut]

Have you pulled the crank yet? If not, how can a mechanic make a diagnosis like that without pulling the crank, examining the surface, having it MAGNAFLUXED, then reporting on it? Rod most likely is bent as well. I have had several "damaged" cranks that looked repairable. Turns out they weren't after the Magnaflux treatment.

Let me give you some extremely hard-earned advice. Buy a Clymer manual, and a Suzuki shop manual. Drop the motor yourself, find a good used low-mileage motor, and install it. There will be a lot less headaches, and it WILL be cheaper in the long run. Removing and installing motors is EASY. Believe me here. Then you can take your time building a good, solid motor for the furture w/your spare one.

Bikes ain't cheap man, but you can maximize your fun:dollar ratio by doing some pre-planning.

- Nut

 

[spiderman]

Good solid advise !!!

And Manuals can save you there initial cost over and over again.. :mrgreen:

 

[LiquiDrums]

if you have suggestions for finding/buying a motor, i'd love to hear them. I can't really find anything in this category.

Dropping/installing a motor is EASY? Most shops say it'll take about 10 hours of labor to do that. Can you explain "magnafluxed" to me?

I wish i could take my chances w/ a new crank instead of going all out for a new motor. :-/

 

[LiquiDrums]

Out of curiosity, would a '98 600 crank shaft fit a '99 750?

 

[87gsxrnut]

Magnaflux FAQ/info as it pertains to automotive/motorcycle builders:

http://www.magnaflux-online.com/magnaglo.stm

Basically, you can see hidden damage (cracks etc.) not visible to the naked eye. It also allows you to determine if it is cheaper to repair the damage, or buy a new part. In my case, I had two cranks magnafluxed for my 1100 race bike. They both were damaged to the point that it was cheaper to order a new one from Suzuki. Rods were damaged as well. One was repairable, one was not (and it was a Carillo, OUCH).

10 hours seems like a real long time. Remember, that dealers and repair shops use a "book of time" to determine shop labor rates and to quote customer estimates. That is what determines the "10-hour" quote. According to all of the assembly/disassembly procedures combined, the 10-hour average is what is given. With one experienced mechanic, right tools, parts ordered (exhaust manifold gaskets, etc.) and a helper when needed, I would say maybe four hours. That doesn't count checking the valves, motor prep etc.

Remember that a GSX-R is a racebike. An decent race mechanic could do an engine swap in 1-2 hours w/2 people and the right tools. They are real easy to work on, in and around.

If you do it yourself, then you know it will be done right.

- Nut

 

[LiquiDrums]

Nut, you're indespensible. I have an AIM name (das luva luva) that you can IM me @ ...i'd love to talk about some of this in real time.

But yea, i got those books coming in and i'm planning on dropping the engine and getting a look @ the crankshaft/rod myself.

You said you ORDERED a new crank shaft from suzuki? Is that possible w/ a 99 model?

Tell me if this sounds right: a friend of mine said that if the rod/loose bearing caused so much trouble on the crankshaft, it would be imbalanced and i'd be able to tell by how the engine ran.

Either way, i atleast want to crack it open and check it outmyself and see for myself what the problem could be. If it's over my head, i may send it to a mechanic, but i'm sure i'll be asking you first

 

[87gsxrnut]

Tell me if this sounds right: a friend of mine said that if the rod/loose bearing caused so much trouble on the crankshaft, it would be imbalanced and i'd be able to tell by how the engine ran.

In my experience, no. Your motor will lose power when the bearings start to fail and run extremely HOT. Eventually, other parts will fail, or the rod will let go due to heat stress. I have seen M/C rods slice cases on serveral occasions.

With Japanese bikes, it is tit-for-tat on if you could even remotely feel an imbalanced crank. Especially a newer bike.

You can order just about anything motor related from Suzuki. Let me give you a hint though. If you want it balanced, order it from Falicon, and have them balance it. It is cheaper than getting the crank, sending it to them, having them balance it then send it back.

It will still be cheaper to get a good, low-mileage used motor than trying to fix your motor, especially if the crank is bad.

- Nut

 

[LiquiDrums]

so where could i find a good low-mileage motor besides ebay for $1,300?

 

[87gsxrnut]

Try gixxer.com forums. I would also start looking at local and M/C internet for sale sites. Odds are you will have to get it shipped from somewhere. There are always bikes being parted out. I have bought five motors in the past two years. Only one was bad, and it was a bad #2 rod bearing. Pretty good odds. Three of them are in racebikes, and being thrashed on a regular basis. No problems yet (knock on wood).

I still need to go through one and fire it up. Upon initial inspection, looks great though.

HINT: Look for a CRASHED bike that the owner doesn't want anymore. Those are really the best deals.

- Nut