96 xp cranking probems

[russssellcrow]

Is that a 787 (see tag on crankcase)?

Is this the ski which emptied it's oil tank for no apparent reason?

It's possible you may just have that blown seal...on my 787, I would unscrew that crankcase cap on top of the end of the balance shaft and see just how much oil there is.

In one these forum threads, a poster suggested clamping the oil lines to the crankcase when not running, emptying the balancer compartment of oil, then releasing the clamps when ready to ride. Sounds like a crazy way to live, but an easy test for this problem.

 

[jhughesnsfd]

It is a 787, Is it going to hurt anything to blow the oil out this way.

 

[russssellcrow]

It was hurting your starter system with the plugs in and oil loaded up in the crankcase...that's for sure. Sounds like some of the others here have more direct experience, and they have blown that oil out the easy way.

I can tell you this: if you can get the seals to "wake-up" using one of their methods, try that first--because changing them is a major PITA. You have to remove the crankshaft and disassemble it (hydraulic press work), replace the seals, then reassemble the crankshaft (the seals are on either side of the Rotary Valve drive gear, between the piston cranks). Building crankshafts is a Black Art, not for the driveway mechanic.

Has anyone out there heard of a 2 Piece Crank Seal? They make such a thing for auto engine / transmission seals so you don't have to pull the engine.