Thumper Club Forum

Technical => Bike Problems/Questions => Topic started by: Dick Scratcher on November 13, 2014, 04:42:57 PM

Title: Cracked head (bike that is) symptoms ?.
Post by: Dick Scratcher on November 13, 2014, 04:42:57 PM
CB250RSA, the normal (!) crack in the cylinder head. It would appear that it's not unusual on these and almost obligatory on XBR500's and all I get told is "Ignore it, they're all like that". On the assumption that they indeed are 'all like that' what symptoms are there or could there be......does the motor bang on regardless ?......does it die when it gets hot ?......is there a distinct power (such as it is) drop off ?.......should I be concerned. What does the brains trust have to say ?.
Title: Re: Cracked head (bike that is) symptoms ?.
Post by: SteveC#222 on November 14, 2014, 08:46:45 AM
Just ignore it!...

....seriously. a lot of XBR's have it and most owners don't even know unless they take the head off. Most of the time on standard bikes it makes no difference and gives no symtoms as there isn't really a problem. If fact worring about it can make it worse - I was talking to a guy at Stafford some years ago who had found the crack and went to great expence to get it alloy welded and skimmmed and the bike never ran properly again!

Maybe worry if you're planning to race it or tune it but otherwise ignore it.
Title: Re: Cracked head (bike that is) symptoms ?.
Post by: Dick Scratcher on November 14, 2014, 06:28:38 PM
Thanks Steve#222 that's the answer that I was hoping to read so I'll bash on regardless............unless of course anyone else on 'The Panel' comes up with another opinion (or proof) that's contrary. If another forum member chooses to put his 'two-pennorth' in I'll be pleased to read it !..................Dick S.
Title: Re: Cracked head (bike that is) symptoms ?.
Post by: tevie54 on November 14, 2014, 09:26:39 PM
I'm assuming you mean the crack between the spark plug hole and a valve seat? Some have them, some don't. It doesn't go that deep and when the engine's hot it closes up so i wouldn't worry too much.
Title: Re: Cracked head (bike that is) symptoms ?.
Post by: Dick Scratcher on November 14, 2014, 09:48:56 PM
Thanks tevie54, yes you've got it, that's the crack...........I'll keep on riding until summat 'appens.
Title: Re: Cracked head (bike that is) symptoms ?.
Post by: Propellor on November 15, 2014, 05:48:48 PM
Do these engines use a "skull cap"?
Title: Re: Cracked head (bike that is) symptoms ?.
Post by: Dick Scratcher on November 15, 2014, 07:06:37 PM
In the case of the 250RS Propeller no they didn't, just valve seats and a 'plug-hole' crammed into a small combustion chamber leaving not a lot of 'meat' in the way of surroundings.