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2003 Mean Streak 1500 Loud Tick on rear cylinder

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#41 ·
Timbox said:
Even though the replacement engine is on the way I had to take a look. Engine looks good, not too much carbon, jugs, pistons and valves all look good.



But then there is a slight issue I found. Seem like to two connecting rods are rubbing together and making a mess.

And then I see lots of this in the engine...don't thank that is good...lol

So this will be a big job needing two connecting rods, new crank and all the good stuff that goes with it.
Click to expand...

mystery no more, just need to find the suspect ....failed journal main_crank bearing

ps water in the oil are being posted. might be the time to check the waterpump bearing and seal
 
#42 ·
Timbox said:
I think it was mentioned above that the mean streak might have larger valves and a more aggressive cam as well? That and the transmission is different.

Looking on ebay there are a lot to chose from for sure. Freight shipping and most guarantee their motors. Not really looking forward at dropping the $1.5k for a new used motor but I don't really have much of a choice if I want to bike to be on the rd. I could always just part it out myself...but what is the fun in that.

I bought this bike to replace my 2002 HD Softail. I grind the pegs so bad on that bike I might as well not even ride it. lol
Click to expand...
I always use marvel mystery oil/ diesel fuel mixture engine flush in a large turkey pan bathing away fish pump cycling from the top and exiting through the drain hole 24hr-couple of days flushing/ turkey pan with a magnet will catch metal particles show any bearing failure going on
 
Discussion starter · #43 ·
@ChopChuiey I have seen some older vids on youtube. The guy was trying to unlock a Honda Interceptor I think it was. I have not tried that as of yet as I have not had a engine that was in that bad of shape I wanted to save.

Looked up some parts on line and it seems they don't have the connection rods at least at Parzilla. A discontinued part or so the web sight said. I didn't try any other outlets as I have the replacement engine to put in the bike.

The spark plug tub on both front and back had some wear marks on them, I will post a pic later today. No through the tube but was wearing on it.
 
Discussion starter · #44 ·
These are the old motor spark plug journals or what are they called?
Not too much damage but still wearing on a motor with 34K on it.

Replacement motor at rest after a long journey from Coco FL.


She is 27 F and not in the mood to heat it up today, we will be having better temps this weekend 40's F so that will be better. Have to look it over, check the plug Journals and then put the new cam chain extenders in this motor.
 
#45 ·
If you are not familiar with installing cam chain tensioners, get you a procedure, If installed incorrectly you will have big problems.
 
Discussion starter · #46 ·
I have not modified my Nomad yet either. I have two sets of them one for each engine. I will have do some reading of the shop manual and watch some folks on You Tube. I think most use Red lock tight on the end once they cut them off. I will see what the deal is before I get into it.

Thanks @Bandit101
 
#49 ·
Timbox said:
These are the old motor spark plug journals or what are they called?
Not too much damage but still wearing on a motor with 34K on it.
Click to expand...
Very common. I had to change mine out with less mileage than that.


Bandit101 said:
No need to cut the existing ring off, if you have a copper tubing flare kit, just press them off.
Click to expand...
Very easy to cut a shallow slot in the 'ring' then use a flat bladed screwdriver in the slot and twist to crack it off.
 
Discussion starter · #50 ·
Okay got some time to get in the shed....even had it comfortable in there with the wood barrel heater (Thanks uncle Fred).

Now it is a rolling bike and I can take it to the small shed (heated and insulated) and put the bike back together. I will have to take pics of the safety sticker and then all four sides as this bike does not have a title either. Six week process here in Wisconsin but well worth if.
 
Discussion starter · #51 ·
You can't see it in this pic, but today I found out that this motor is a normal Vulcan 1500! Not happy! Has the different heads on it as there are vents on the front and back heads...that is not a Mean Streak thing.

Also on the cover int he pic above, it you get close enough you can see writ on the cover 05 Kaw Vulcan 1500...Not what the add said on ebay...hmm.

I have a message to the seller...how fun is this...lol
 
Discussion starter · #54 ·
On each exhaust side of the head on a MS engine, there is not a tube. The MS from what I have been told and read has hotter cams and larger intake valves.

The exhaust on a normal Vulcan engine will have these vent tubes.


Hope that helps....I am still learning about these engine as well.

From my interpretation of the difference in the engine, you should be able to look at a engine in the bike closely and see if there is a vent tube coming from that area. If there is a vent nipple or tube then it is a normal head. If there is no tube, from factory it is a MS head with the hotter cams and larger valves.
 
#55 ·
I have 2x 1500 mean streak engines in my garage currently and both had the pair ports as I had to install block off plates.

I can't speak for the 1600 engine, but the 1500 definitely has them.
 
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Discussion starter · #56 ·
Really, well there goes that idea...So I guess from the outside there is really no way to tell? I do know that the stator or all wires coming out of the replacement bike was a direct connect with no left over wires...so that could mean that I have the MS engine....hmmm

@DespicableDan What you are saying is I should be able to change out the Pair ports block off plates from my old engine to this replacement engine? I sure hope so, I was planning on it.

Life is getting in the way today, so I will not be able to get to it. Hope to later this afternoon but for sure the next day.
 
#57 ·
Yeah the block off plate bolt pattern should be the same, just make sure they will seal since they usually use graphite coated paper gaskets
 
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#58 ·
There are some differences in the MS engine and the Classic. These differences are also shared up to 2005 with the Drifter engine. They are both single stator engines which is the easiest way for me to distinguish them when complete, by their single charging connector. When disassembled the transmission gear tooth count is also different. As for the cylinder head fresh air valve, I think they all had it. Here is a list for the valve which is inside the housing. Housing is no longer available, but valve & gaskets are the same.
ASSEMBLIES WHERE 12021-1108 IS USED
 
#59 ·
Ok, I've never had the bottom of an engine apart. What would normally keep the rods from touching? I looked at a blowup and I don't see any parts missing here. There also doesn't seem to be any room on the crank pin for them to move apart. What should it have looked like?
 
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Timbox
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