front cylinder keeps eating rings / mag full of sludge

[jeff beck]

I just acquired a xp 800 with a bad engine. Breaking it down I removed the mag cover only to find it completely full of spludge. The engine has had a history of burning down the front cylinder so I suspect the front crank seal is bad. Why would the mag be full of sludge? I know it is a water and oil mixture but it looks like grey ice cream. really thick.

 

[Dr Honda]

You are spraying fuel and oil past the seal, into the MAG. That engine needs to come apart, and get fixed. Chances are... the front bearing is bad too... and that took out the seal.

 

[jeff beck]

Thanks. That is what i thought. About the bearing... Is that an easy job to replace or do I need a shop to press it on?

 

[crisso]

Grey sludge is always aluminium dust or grindings.Spun bearings in the crankhousing?

 

[Dr Honda]

Thanks. That is what i thought. About the bearing... Is that an easy job to replace or do I need a shop to press it on?

If you have a press... you can replace the front bearing... but I'm betting you will find more bad bearings once you get it apart. I would recomend just getting a rebuilt crank to replace yours.

Grey sludge is always aluminium dust or grindings.Spun bearings in the crankhousing?

Yes... that is a good thought... but I think what he is seeing is oil, and water mixing. (Looks like gray goo)

 

[brock1]

It will probubly cost you more to try to replace the bearings rather that just getting a rebuilt one there are lots of sites on google that offer them for like 350 bucks. Plus if you have center crank seals bad its almost impossible to find someone to replace them it will need to be shipped out.

 

[jeff beck]

Bummer!!!!! Split the case only to find that the bearings have spun. Im starting to get too much money in this thing. 350.00 for the crank. 350.00 in a OH top end with gasket kit and a grand in the ski and trailer to start.
Not sure what the cheapest way to get this ski running now.

 

[crisso]

Sorry to hear.I am sure the guys here will hook you up with the correct suppliers in your area

 

[jeff beck]

after close inspection I found that only the two front bearings need replaced. The rest of them are silky smooth. I found the bearings here in the parts store. I want to try to replace these two myself. I would appreciate any advise on removal and insertion. I know it would be easer to replace the crank but i would like to try this.