Yes, I Really Did Buy It This Way

[VTRDark]

That is one HUGE piston isn't it?

They sure are. Like car pistons arn't they. That is one of the things I like about these bikes. Everything is big so easy to work on.

As luck would have it I do have a castle socket to fit the frame nuts. I bought it for another Honda engine project years ago.

That's handy. Is it double sided. There are two different size castle nuts on the frame. If not I can give you a link for cheap alternatives.

Get some pics up when you get the piston out. I was thinking rings maybe, which could also account for your plumes of smoke.

(:-})

[Big_Jim59]

That is one HUGE piston isn't it?

They sure are. Like car pistons arn't they. That is one of the things I like about these bikes. Everything is big so easy to work on.

I didn't look at the specs but I am sure the stroke is as short as the piston diameter is huge. This is no long stoke thumper. Many years ago, in the 70s during the gas crisis you could pick up big American luxury cars for cheep. You couldn't give those things away so every teen had one. We couldn't afford to drive them far but they were party barges. I had a Buick Riviera with a 455 Wildcat engine. I think that's like 7.45 liters. It had pistons the size of those in the VTR but it was a longer stroke.

[VTRDark]

Porsche 911 (not sure which model) pistons fit in these engines apparently. You can definitely get the con rod and piston out from the bottom.

I just realised this is still in your welcome thread. I think it's about time you start a new thread in the workshop section. At least it makes it more searchable then if anyone is looking at doing what you just about to embark on.

(:-})

[Big_Jim59]

I will start a new thread when I get the piston popped out. I should be interesting. I'll shoot some pictures.

Your Right! The do look like 911 pistons.

[sirch345]

I think, since it is possible to get the offending piston and rod out by accessing the rod cap through the sump, that is my next step. At this point I can't hurt anything. It might be a small end failure and that would be strange and a new one on me. It will have to wait until Friday.

That is one HUGE piston isn't it?

As luck would have it I do have a castle socket to fit the frame nuts. I bought it for another Honda engine project years ago.

They are big boys those pistons for sure ( 98mm bore and 66mm stroke ).

That sounds like a good idea, at least once the piston and con rod are removed you should be able to pinpoint the problem, and there will be no more guessing

I just realised this is still in your welcome thread. I think it's about time you start a new thread in the workshop section. At least it makes it more searchable then if anyone is looking at doing what you just about to embark on.

(:-})

That sounds like a good idea Carl. We can always add a link to this thread in the new one in the "Workshop" section,

Chris.