1987 Honda Elite SE50

SkeetSkeet · Post by **SkeetSkeet** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 5:11 am

I've been looking on this forum since i got my scooter (a week ago) and i can't get it running as i'm thinking i have low compression. I'm almost pretty sure i have low compression so I'm looking for new piston and ring set.
I have already cleaned the carb several times.
I have tipped the scooter over to get all the oil out of the intake manifold and crankcase.
Cleaned out the gas tank and replaced with new gas.
put in new spark plug NGK.
bought new cdi and made sure i was getting spark. Anyway i've pretty much tested out everything and i've come to the problem as it needing rings.
I bought it from a guy on craigslist and he just told me that it sat in the garage for 15 years ( which is why i replaced majority of the parts) and it has 6000+ miles on the engine.
I just want to get it running before i decide to mod it for performance which i will buy a BBK soon but not now!
Anyway i'm looking for a good trusted site i can order a new piston and ring set with fast shipping? thanks

Oh i also painted it but not finished

Carnie · Post by **Carnie** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 8:04 am

Do a compression test before you go off and blow anymore money.

Mystic · Post by **Mystic** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 8:09 am

yea do a compression test to know for sure. i just replaced my rings yesterday

i gots mine for around 20 bucks from powersportsplus.com i am sure they have a reasonable price on the piston too

breaze · Post by **breaze** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 8:34 am

compression test +1. Before buying any top end parts, rent a compression tester from your local auto parts store (it's free) and check it. If it isn't low, forum members should be able to help you get the scoot running. If it is low, you'll probably want to dismantle the top end and see what you need - maybe just rings, maybe new piston and jug, or maybe the rings are just stuck and a good cleaning is all you need.

good luck

SkeetSkeet · Post by **SkeetSkeet** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 1:37 pm

Thanks guys i'll do that. Another question, I'm kind of confused about the size pistons and rings just in case i have to replace them so are they 39mm or 41mm?

swimmingfree · Post by **swimmingfree** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 1:42 pm

bore is 41mm..
the strock is 37.4
swimmingfree

SkeetSkeet · Post by **SkeetSkeet** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 5:41 pm

ok i've been searching everywhere for 41mm piston rings with no luck. Could someone link me!

swimmingfree · Post by **swimmingfree** » Fri Aug 24, 2012 9:50 am

have you done a compression test ????? you may not need to by it if the compression is good
o by the way the wrist pine is 10 mm as well ..
tazland001 sell spree piston that's the same size as the 87 elite ...
swimmingfree

SkeetSkeet · Post by **SkeetSkeet** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 1:47 am

Alright thanks guys. I havent done a compression test yet as i need like 40 bucks as collateral as O'reily's. So i have to wait til payday.
Wednesday. Weekends i work and gf takes all my time. I will let you guys know as i test the compression.

SkeetSkeet · Post by **SkeetSkeet** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 4:15 pm

Ok i got really bored and just took the engine out completely. I also took off the cylinder and head and piston, it was pretty easy but i found oil in the bottom of the crankcase. Came almost all the way up to the bottom of the cylinder! Does this mean i need oil seals?
i also found out that i need new gaskets (head and cylinder). Pistons and rings looks new but i did notice a scuff at the top of the piston and on the underside there is a brown mark which i'm guessing is overheating from the spark plug. Anyway i'll post some pics in a bit and maybe you guess can help out. lol Oh and i wanna get rid of my oil pump. It's annoying

Mystic · Post by **Mystic** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 6:54 pm

I would say it is either flooding or the oil pump is somehow bad. there should never be that much liquid in there, I doubt it will even crank like that

SkeetSkeet · Post by **SkeetSkeet** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:31 pm

very good news and a little bad!
Good news is that its runs and goes pretty darn fast stock! I had to take off the stock air cleaner filter as the element was more like dust and would just break off! Probably was getting in the engine. Anyway it's been cleaned from all the oil and gas in the crankcase.
I cleaned the carb for the 4th time. Turns out that the piolt jet was clogged. Also the exhaust was clogged with black carbon i guess but i banged it on grass until i could blow threw it.
Also I was too impatient to wait til payday to rent a compression test gauge but i'll still do that later on. Just glad that i have it running.
When i was putting everything back i noticed my piston was perfectly lined up (at peak position) with the top of the cylinder, so i left the gasket off and used some permatex gasket sealant. I know this raised the compression but my head gasket wouldn't seal as its been used. Now i'm reading to tune this baby but..
the bad news is that whenever i'm riding it and come to a complete stop the idle will slowly decrease until it dies. so i have to keep revving it every 5 seconds. I've been messing with idle crew and air/fuel mixture all day but haven't found a conclusion.
It does 30+ mph easy though! i'm so happy and just want to improve its performance! thanks guys

zuphilius · Post by **zuphilius** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:49 pm

Suggested you get the stock air filter back on before riding as it will be too lean and burn up your bore.

SkeetSkeet · Post by **SkeetSkeet** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:54 pm

Yeah i know but i can't find any of the stock air cleaner filter anywhere! Any suggestions?

zuphilius · Post by **zuphilius** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:57 pm

Local honda dealer under $10.

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