lamptramp

I am contemplating performing a complete strip and rebuild of my 2002 315R engine to fix the failed crank seals. While it is open I will look to replace all the various bearings and piston rings etc. It's been a long time since I worked deeply on any engine so I wanted to seek advice on this particular unit. I have normal tools but none of the specialist stuff yet that I'll probably need (like a crankcase puller, etc.). How straightforward is it to work on the HRC engine and are there any particular pitfalls I should watch out for? Thanks in advance

Thanks for your concern twinshocked, it is an 'R' plug, I solved that problem a while ago.

Chaps, thanks for your comments. I stripped and cleaned the carb at the weekend and the problem wasn't there. I checked the flywheel for play and it was solid as a rock. The local bike shop suspects it might be the crank seals (as lineaway suggested), if so it's gonna be expensive to have them do the work. So, if the seals do need replacing I may have to consider having a crack at it myself. I haven't worked on an engine since rebuilding a Ford Escort about 30 years ago, so could someone who has worked on this Honda engine please let me know how straightforward they are to work on? I have certain tools (ie. decent socket sets, torque wrench, etc.) but I guess there will be others that I need to get. Or is it really best to save up and leave this to someone who's properly tooled up?

My trusty 2002 315R has started to develop a new (and sporadic) issue. When it has been running for a while, it sometimes starts to rev up and down on its own in a rhythmical fashion. Any ideas on where I should start looking for the cause of this? I intend to get the carb off and give it a thorough clean but any other thoughts would be welcome.

I will check the plug, but why would the problem be intermittent if that was the case?

I have a 2002 315R that shows an intermittent problem: Every so often the engine note becomes a lot more 'poppy' i.e. more pronounced pop, pop, pop... than usual (it does sound like a lawn mower) and the power drops to about half of normal. Usually just cutting it out and then restarting it makes it go away fro a while - but that's not much use when you're in the middle of a climb on a section as happened yesterday. I've had the carb apart (a Keihin PWK 28 copy (Koso) put on by the previous owner) and have cleaned the jets out but it made no difference. Has anyone experienced this or have a clue as to where I might look for a solution? Many thanks

I've been really enjoying watching the daily video reports from the SSDT. I've noticed a common theme covering all of the sections shown: Gnarly rocks and plenty of water. As a matter of interest, are there any sections that aren't set in treacherous stream beds?

Well that's fine then! Just looking for ways to make the bike compensate even further for the below average rider, guess I'll need to look elsewhere for such improvements... Thanks to all for your advice. Steve

But isn't the floating only supposed to happen in the sideways axis, with no rotational movement?

Just learning more as I go along about the well worn 2002 315R that I bought recently and noticed that both the front and rear brake discs have a fair bit of movement in them. When you lock the disc, the wheel can still move. Roughly speaking, the disc moves on its mounting nuts by a couple of millimetres. Should there be any rotational play (can't think why) in the discs or are they just buggered? Thanks

Airoh should introduce a bowler helmet for the gentleman rider...

Cheers, I'll give it a go.

One of the fork seals on my 2002 315R has developed a leak. Could anyone advise how tricky it is to do a DIY replacement of the seals or otherwise suggest a UK based specialist who could carry out the work? Many thanks

That looks like a beautifully preserved example of the 315R, wish mine looked like that! I've just returned to trials after 28 years away and the 315R was my choice to ease me back in and I am very happy with it. Easy to ride, gentle but solid power delivery, good brakes and suspension - ideal. If you can get that one for the right price I would snatch the owner's arm off.

Thank you both, I will investigate the filter and the carb settings.