How to check out a used motor

[ZX11D]

I found a used motor I would like to swap out for my current motor when the time comes. Any tips on what to look for? Numbers? Thanks

[JettaJayGLS]

I found a used motor I would like to swap out for my current motor when the time comes. Any tips on what to look for? Numbers? Thanks

Get a service manual for specs.

First is check for any easy to see problems, leaking oil, something out of place, missing/broken pieces, etc. Grab the sprocket, give it a shake, check for wobble. If you have a way of firing it up, check compression next. If you are not planning on tearing into the motor, then you can try to get your hands on a scope to check out the cylinder[s] for scoring. If you are going to tear into the motor there are a million things to check, refer to the service manual for tolerances. Without actually tearing into the motor or getting the thing into a bike to drive there is only so much you can check. I would suggest at least removing the valve cover and checking valve clearances before you put it into the bike. If you're willing, pop the head off as well, that way you can check tolerances on just about everything.

What motor/bike is it anyway?

I think a judge of character of the seller and trying to figure out if you can believe him is a huge part of it as well. Still, if could be your best friend and it blows up, shit happens.

[ZX11D]

97 zx11 . The used motor is one someone else was going to use the same way then passed away. Motor and carbs are at a shop on the south shore and looking to clear some shelf space. He says it was running and will demo what he can IE: compression. I quess it could be used for parts too. Price is right too!

[stoinkythepig]

What happened to the one it's going to replace? Those should easily go 150,000 miles.

Should be easy enough to connect a battery to it and spin the starter to test compression. Leak down test would be a good idea too.

[ZX11D]

Burning a little oil and leaking oil from somewhere. Runs strong but i saw this and bar that nothing is wrong its a good deal at 300 don't ya think?

[stoinkythepig]

yeah, $300 is a great deal on a good running engine. Good luck! When you are ready to swap it out, remember to support the engine and lift the bike off it, then put the new engine in place and lower the bike onto the new engine. Much easier than trying to lift the engine into the bike.

[ZX11D]

I wouldn't have thought of that thanks