Small Engine Rebuild Advice
 

I have a crap, utter crap, late 90's Suzuki quad. Totally worn out, it's just a winter project, I spend an hour at lunch most days fixing it.

As I dug into it, I was almost hoping the seized engine would be scrap, then I could part it out and be done with it. Instead, it just needs rings and everything else inside the engine is pristine. Okay, so it's worth the time to fix it.

I would normally buy a complete seal kit, new rings, and fix it right. I don't like leaky engines, but it turns out seal kits are rather pricey, and probably more than the machine justifies.

Anyone had good luck with no gaskets and just sealant? Maybe 'The Right Stuff'? Honda Bond? Motoseal? It's kind of a hack fix, but if it works, I can live with it. I've done oil pans when there was no time to wait for a gasket, and it seemed to last for years.

If sealants are only a short-term solution, then I think I will buy the seals, I don't want to this repair twice. I also don't want so spend hundreds of dollars on a $100 machine.

Making my own gaskets isn't really viable, they are complex and finicky where it matters.

What's the consensus?

Depends on where / what you're trying to use sealant where gaskets used to be. Please provide more information

I am sealing the main side of the crankcase, and probably the transmission side plate.

These for sure:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1696432268.JPG

Looks like red arrow is pointing to case half gasket. Depending on the thickness, you may induce more preload on crank bearings with sealant ( less clearance). O-rings and other stuff, dunno - risky.

I've always heard good things about Yamabond. Never used it myself though.

I've used Yamabond before, on my 1929 Hudson oil pan. Work fine.

I think I should buy the main gasket set...I do not want to rebuild it again just because it leaks.

Don't want to be annoying... But I'd just get rid of it and buy a Honda Quad. A beautifully well made machine.

The 'project' is the challenge and the fun. I have zero interest in a 'good' quad.

If I 'needed' a quad, I would buy a good one. But I have no need for one, nowhere to drive it, and barely any space to store it. It's just a fix during the winter and sell in the spring project.

E bay ?

Shipping prices (I am not in the USA) are crazy. And I have no trips to the USA planned this year.

I found one on Amazon with long delivery. I can wait and do it right.

I need a week or two to get the stuck rings out of the piston, without destroying the piston. :rolleyes: