Engine rebuild

Energy One
mymastiff

mymastiff

Active Member
Hey guys, need some input and advice. Have an 04 Mastiff bought used with just over 17k miles, I've had it about 2-3 months and it runs great. I noticed a small leak around the front rocker box cover and have read all the threads relating to their repair. My initial thoughts were that since I would be doing or having that repaired, (undecided if I will do it), should I go ahead and do the top ends as well? With the mileage I have what other recommendations do you have? What things should I check or anticipate having to replace? Also should I not ride until the leak is handled on the covers, it's a very small leak but I don't want to risk any damage. All input welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance guys.
 
nine lives

nine lives

Active Member
Rocker box leak is nothing, very easy fix. I would leave the top end alone and just replace the gaskets on the boxes.
 
mymastiff

mymastiff

Active Member
It seems like it would be very easy, just not knowing the history of the bike I would not mind having someone with a bit more knowledge than I look it over and give me some insight. How many miles before I should consider top end replacement? I come from a dirt bike background where we seemingly did them weekly.
 
nine lives

nine lives

Active Member
I also have a dirt bike background. If you were anything like me on the dirt, you rode balls out, thus having to do a top end re-build every season, more if your racing.

Unless your having issues (blue smoke, excessive noise) 17,000 is really not that many miles. As I said, I would leave the top end alone. You should repalce all the fluids, including the fork oil, maybe check fall away, check wheel and swing arm bearings. I believe in the "if it aint broke philosophy" unless you want to add more HP via cam swap, head work, etc.
 
BBChopper

BBChopper

Supports 2 Disabled Vets
Troop Supporter
nine lives said:
Rocker box leak is nothing, very easy fix. I would leave the top end alone and just replace the gaskets on the boxes.
Click to expand...
X2, if it runs good and isnt burning oil leave it alone. Fix the leak!:2thumbs:
I wouldnt rebuild it till you hear somthing knocking around in the Gas Tank!!!:rolleyes:
Sorry Billy....
 
Daddycool

Daddycool

Active Member
if you are really worried you can do a compression test. Other than that, I'd fix the leak and keep on keepin on!
 
Brew

Brew

Troop Supporter
Same feeling as the others, just fix the leak if that's all that's happening...
 
outdoorsman26

outdoorsman26

Well-Known Member
if ya want have your dealer look inside your cyl with a digital scope and you/him can see if anything is bad in the cyl!!
 
stlmikie

stlmikie

I wish I had more money.
Hell I would have the whole thing done. Do the heads. New cam. Maybe some nitrous. I've yet to see one with a supercharger set up. Go crazy. Don't forget the psi carb. Little Boo has one he's thinking about letting go.
 
mymastiff

mymastiff

Active Member
Thanks guys, just what I was looking for, no smoking that I have noticed, like I said runs great, just the small leak, will take care of that and leave well enough alone. Guess I am more than a little paranoid.
 
MARV

MARV

Well-Known Member
while your in there might as well check end play of the rockers on their shafts.

dont have the specs but i know they are tight.

about .006?



plus check clearance of the springs against the lower box. think its .060
 
BBChopper

BBChopper

Supports 2 Disabled Vets
Troop Supporter
MARV said:
while your in there might as well check end play of the rockers on their shafts.

dont have the specs but i know they are tight.

about .006?



plus check clearance of the springs against the lower box. think its .060
Click to expand...
Sul Man Be So Wise!!!:2thumbs:
 
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