CL350 Stripped Plug threads

[brandonpx]

sometimes owning a vintage bike you inherit 40+ years of other peoples fuck ups, which im dealing wih right now on my CL, the threads on the LH cylinder plug hole finally gave way, im going over my options and figuring out what i want to do with it. should i scrap the head, locate a new one and do a top end rebuild, or go the way of the time-sert.

i havent rebuilt one of these before, but im mechanically proficient, does the entire motor need to come out to do the top end? what all should i replace while in there? rings, tensioner, cam chain(can this be done without pulling apart the bottom end?) whats a good shopping list of things i should pick up to do up the top end?

the whole situation is a little frustrating but hopefully i can get everything sorted.

 

[teddpage]

If all you have is stripped spark plug threads, then install a timesert or helicoil.

http://www.timesert.com/

Sent from my GT-P5113 using Tapatalk 2

 

[lingo]

If you use a helicoil be sure to get the one specifically for spark plugs. They are solid pieces and not the ones that look like springs.

 

[sphynx88]

I just went through this on my CL360. While a different motor, I am sure the struggle is the same. I tried 3 timeserts and also the thread chaser tool. All this gave me was a hole I could snug a spark plug down in that leaked compression. I eventually (after paying way too much on things) bought a head in great condition on ebay for 50 bucks and put it in.

On the 360 you do not have to take the motor out. It was my first time tearing in and was relatively easy. I'd give it a 6/10 as far as hardness goes. Best of luck!

 

[brandonpx]

i found a head locally for $20, everything looks good on it, best case id like to re-ring the top end, new tensioner ect. im going to put together a shopping list and probably just do it myself.

 

[brandonpx]

If all you have is stripped spark plug threads, then install a timesert or helicoil.

http://www.timesert.com/

Sent from my GT-P5113 using Tapatalk 2

the only thing i worry about with this fix is getting swarf into the top end, besides my compression isnt stellar either. figure i might as well go all out.

 

[sphynx88]

the only thing i worry about with this fix is getting swarf into the top end, besides my compression isnt stellar either. figure i might as well go all out.

When I tried to use a helicoil, I put grease on the tap and used a flexible magnet afterwards to get most of it out. I ran it several times (while leaking compression). When I took it apart I didn't find any fragments or damage to the cylinder from it. I think it's a pretty safe way if you are cautious about it.

At the end of the day, once again, it is pretty simply to take the top end apart. I would go for it. 20$ is nothing. Just make sure the valves seal properly before popping it in.

 

[brandonpx]

Any of yall have a good one stop shop for getting a new tensioner, gaskets, and rings?