Engine service questions 1994 FE600

1. I have read here that the cam follower bearings often go bad and should be replaced periodically. Is it enough to inspect them or should they be replaced anyway?
A: wait for them to go. your old DVSK are soft like my DVSK are.


2. Is this older config with dual valve springs as "bad" as the later config with single harder tapered springs? Would taffmeisters dual spring kit improve bearing life? And do they fit without machining?
A: as said above - yours are fine but they are also very old.

3. Is it enough to inspect the cam chain (that tensioner is not all the way in)?
A: yes if you have clicks left then it is OK.

4. Is it possible to tell the state of the con rod bearing without splitting the engine?
A: yes, you can. hold the con rod at the little end and slap the crankshaft up underneath upwards slapping both flywheels with the palm of your hand. you can feel 'knocking' but also, press the rod to one side and then try and wobble the rod. 2mm+ = gone. always change the little end.

5. Should the piston be replaced or is it enough to inspect? Anything particulary to look for apart from the obvious (scratches etc.)?
A: usually yes, they are rarely "nice". also check the nikasil lining.

6. Anything else that I should take a look at (transmission, clutch...)?
A: everything, everything is phuqed on the old ones. spend, spend and keep spending.

Carb, ignition, wiring valve clearance etc. will of course be cleaned/tuned as far as possible.

Thanks in advance.

Khristi

I have loads of videos on my Facebook page that will help you. lots on the 1998 FE600e I have here.

regards

Taffy

yes, just wear rather than overbore
a is new
b is wherever
c is worn

B has a personality disorder and can't tell what it really is. just get an a or a c.

Taffy

i'm not really sure here.... the backfire could be poor spark. but more likely that you have not found TDC and on the correct stroke so as to do the job right.

Taffy

I always lap new valves in. BTW, husabergs suffer more with tuliped seats-curved seats if you like.....

I have never put silicon on the split link but nothing is stopping you.

the inlet seats will be very close to where you are milling, all i do is go over the head with a rotary mop sander and take the high points off. i never worry about low points - just high points! I wouldn't mill it.

Taffy

The jet you are referring to is called the CDI jet. Some carbs came with them. Some did not. It is generally considered helpful for starting if you add the jet if yours did not come with one.

What method did you use to determine TDC?

You may try pouring a little gas down the spark plug hole. If it runs for a bit its probably a fuel issue.

Lean the bike all the way over to the left to get fuel to the petcock side. Don't rely on the fuel pump on a first start up and / or fill the tank to the brim to insure fuel gets over to the left side.

Make sure your fuel cap vent hose is unobstructed.

You probably did this but if the pilot jet is plugged, even a little bit, it probably won't start. Use a torch cleaner to ream out the crud in the jet. The holes are so small and the old fuel gets so hard that sometimes it not a bad idea to just get a new pilot jet to rule out that issue.