METAL in my MOTOR!!!!

[offroadchevy806]

I was overheating, figured it was the water pump, so once i pulled the pump, i noticied that the slit from the water pump shaft was broken off, i can not find the broken pieces!!!!!   i have removed the cover in the front to find nothing. should i rack my brain trying to find the pieces or just put it back together. Are the moving pieces inside the motor high enough out of the oil that the pieces wont get caught up in the gears    I dont want to split the case just to get two small pieces.

[PhredValk]

I don't really advocate just leaving it, but do you know how long it's been broken? The only moving parts in the water jacket of the bike (or any engine) are the water pump and thermostat. Unlike the oil, the coolant doesn't actually come in contact with moving parts, it flows in channels around them.

If it hasn't damaged the pump (and it probably won't ever work itself up to the top of the engine where the thermostat lives), you are probably OK. Others will chime in, I hope, and either agree or raise an alarm.

Me, I wouldn't worry about something that may have occurred thousands of miles ago with no affect.
Fred.

[Ricky-D]

You may be able to fish a small magnetic probe around in there in hope of picking up the broken piece(s).

I don't feel the pieces will swish around with the oil but will instead settle out in a place of least turbulence within the crankcase area if they can migrate at all.

***

[lee]

Define SLIT:  Are you talking about a key way that locks the impeller to the shaft?  ???
Or a key way on the back end?
http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148780&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=1998&fveh=3477

[offroadchevy806]

Define SLIT:  Are you talking about a key way that locks the impeller to the shaft?  ???
Or a key way on the back end?
http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148780&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=1998&fveh=3477

it is the part off of the water pump shaft that broke, where it goes from the water pump shaft to the oil pump

[Hook#3287]

Is this the first time you've taken it out?  Is it possible someone put it back together broken off?  How much is missing?  How it got broken is the question? 

[olddog1946]

If it part of the pump shaft, it most likely broke off as a single piece and should be steel. So a small magnet might pick it up if you fish around a bit..I've never had mine apart so don't know if that piece is oil or water lubricated. I would suspect water, either way it could be a piece large enough to block off some flow, causing a hot spot somewhere in the motor. If the magnet doesn't find the piece, replace the shaft (if you can) or the pump and cross your fingers.

[Brian]

If the metal pieces are in the water side I think I would bite the bullet, pull the heads and flush out the water side through the thermostat hole and check the passages in the heads. Who knows, they maybe found in one of the side radiator tanks. If my memory serves me correctly the water passages going to the heads are just under 1/2" diameter. The heads would be my concern for over heating. dropping the heads are not a big deal. When I had to drop mine I found the torque requirements in the shop manual and had to purchase a torque wrench in that range. I found this torque wrench at Sears. Worked like a champ.

[Pluggy]

Hey, guys.  Before taking the heads off, how about trying the old "reverse flush" method?  You know, disconnect the hoses and flow water through with full hose pressure.  As an antique car owner, I've seen a lot of junk tumble out of an engine that way.  Prestone even made a kit for doing that.

Good luck with it.

[olddog1946]

I just looked it up on my CD and see that the piece you are talking about is in the oil and not the coolant. I would indeed try fishing around with a magnet and hope you get lucky enough to find the piece of broken shaft. If you can't find it, you may want to set up an oil pressure gauge to ensure you are still pumping enough oil pressure to lube the motor..if you are, then you could be ok..I'd go get an old, junk microwave and pull the one of the magnets from the magnetron and epoxy it to the bottom of the block.  It would be strong enough to hold any steel particles in place.

[offroadchevy806]

I just looked it up on my CD and see that the piece you are talking about is in the oil and not the coolant. I would indeed try fishing around with a magnet and hope you get lucky enough to find the piece of broken shaft. If you can't find it, you may want to set up an oil pressure gauge to ensure you are still pumping enough oil pressure to lube the motor..if you are, then you could be ok..I'd go get an old, junk microwave and pull the one of the magnets from the magnetron and epoxy it to the bottom of the block.  It would be strong enough to hold any steel particles in place.

I got lucky last night and found one half of the broken piece. i am going to wait for my buddy to get off of work and shake the motor then do so fishing with the magnet

[Brian]

That's good news. I assume it was  found in the oil side ? Keep us posted.

[SpidyJ]

....did you drain the oil?  That might help.  You may at least see or feel it with your finger thru the drain plug hole.

[offroadchevy806]

....did you drain the oil?  That might help.  You may at least see or feel it with your finger thru the drain plug hole.

Yes, i have drained the oil i am going to fish through the drain hole with the magnet next, lets hope for the best.

[BonS]

Along with your efforts to fish out the metal you might try this magnetic drain plug from http://valkyrieblingandmore.com/magnetic-drain-plug2.html a VRCC sponsor.

[offroadchevy806]

Well here is an update, i have not found the second piece of the shaft that broke but i did find some broken teeth from a previous hydro lock so i guess if those 3 piece could swim around in my motor for 10,000 mile hopefully 1 piece will be ok

[Brian]

10,000 miles with trash in the motor, you live good. I learned a trick years ago from an old diesel engine mechanic and that is to cut the oil filter open and stretch out the media looking for metal filings and other debris. Knowing there are pieces moving around like this and overheating would force me to split the engine open.  That's just me though and my 2 cents. Good Luck.

[F6BANGER]

After looking at the engine break down, if I am correct, this is where the parts would be. The broken parts just might just stay there. I cant see an oil gallery, but there has to be one somewhere. Whoever has had a motor apart would know. I think the Magnet  is a great idea. Glue it to the bottom of the motor up front. Before you glue it, make sure it isnt in the way of your lift adapter.

[larswlvs]

Will the magnet work through aluminum? I know brass will shut off magnetic flow.

[Ricky-D]

I doubt a magnet will work from the outside of the motor cases for many reasons including the thickness of the aluminum cases.

If you could get a magnet to work it would necessarily be a behemoth and the downside to that is the potential to magnetize other ferrous parts within the motor.

***

[olddog1946]

Micro wave tube magnets will work perfectly, they aren't all that thick but are certainly strong and will hold steel pieces solidly in place. Will not affect stainless or aluminum..if you think it would be too strong break it into smaller pieces..I'd bet a 1/4 piece would work fine.

[F6BANGER]

I just had another thought. If you get a big enough magnet you will kill two birds with one stone.......not only will you keep the metal parts from going through the motor, you will also trigger every light from blocks away

[gordonv]

I doubt a magnet will work from the outside of the motor cases for many reasons including the thickness of the aluminum cases.

If you could get a magnet to work it would necessarily be a behemoth and the downside to that is the potential to magnetize other ferrous parts within the motor.

***

I would apply a large as you could find rare earth magnet, to the case if you want to try this method.

Preferrance would be to pull the engine and tear it apart. If you like to gamble, do it in the casino, not on a long trip. Unless all your riding is in town.

[offroadchevy806]

I used a powerful magent from the lab department at from my college, on that i almost ripped the refridgeator door off to just get the magnet off, i did more fishing but nothing, so it is all back together and i will be firing her back up tonight wish me luck

[wild6]

Here's hoping that the worst problem from this point forward is that she pulls to the North.

[SpidyJ]

I used a powerful magent from the lab department at from my college, on that i almost ripped the refridgeator door off to just get the magnet off, i did more fishing but nothing, so it is all back together and i will be firing her back up tonight wish me luck

Leave it there.....the part may eventually work it's way back to where the magnet will hold it till the next oil change.

[Brian]

Besides the large magnet tripping the traffic light circuit you can follow your HD buddies to pick up their parts. Don't laugh, I have had HD pieces bounce in front of me twice, one was a kick start lever years ago and just recently a license frame and plate.

[offroadchevy806]

well i finished buttoning her up this afternoon and went for a quick ride since it was 30 outside, it sounds a bit beefier since i put the dynojet kit and #38 jets too. well i just hope that the metal piece lies dormant for a long time, thanks guys.

[F6BANGER]

Besides the large magnet tripping the traffic light circuit you can follow your HD buddies to pick up their parts. Don't laugh, I have had HD pieces bounce in front of me twice, one was a kick start lever years ago and just recently a license frame and plate.

I have been riding with one of my good buddies (flhtcu) for years and he has lost:
mirror
left exhaust
some type of little filter thingy
left saddle bag cover

and thats what I have seen him loose.