Bottom end trouble AKA motor needed

[Chapter]

So I've got an '86 R65 (http://www.ratzemyze.com/r65) and it keeled over on me.  Long story short, the mechanic after using a stethoscope seems to think there's bottom end trouble in my motor.  I'm considering my options, but would like to find a motor so I can attach a price to different options.  Any suggestions / resources / prayers / donations?  I'm in Austin, Texas but conceivably could travel for the right  motor.  (Who wouldn't?)

Matt Chapter
'86 R65 (Dead?)
'76 CB 400F (Wrecked)
'70  & '71 CB 350 (under construction)

[NC Steve]

Matt, you've actually got an excellent resource right there in Austin, in the form of Ebay's "Lamont Sanford", aka Larry Chabira.
He wheels and deals in lots of Airhead and Guzzi parts, and has had several used engines for sale of late. He's also completely trustworthy, and a great source of info too.
You should be able to email him at lamontsanford@sbcglobal.net.

Of course there are other sources too, but I'd definitely give the local guy 1st shot, for convenience sake and shipping costs too if nothing else!
Good luck!  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Justin B.]

Hey, Matt.  Sorry to hear of your troubles, especially bottem end troubles.  The BMW Airhead engine bottom end is quite robust and usually lasts almost forever!

In addition to "Sanford" you could try Boxers by Bruce, in Pantego, TX (by Arlington).  Last time i was there he had a complete 1984 (I think) engine for sale.  Don't know anything about price as he just said to make an offer and I really didn't have any need for it.  I think his web site has an e-mail link on it and probably a shop phone as well.

http://www.boxerbruce.com/

So, what's the deal, do you have some bearing knock, or something along those lines?

[Chapter]

Yep, there appears to be a bearing knock.    Don't tell anyone but I'm mostly sure it's due to poor maintenance / abuse on my part.  It's only got 34,6xx miles on it, so I was hoping the malfunction was more top endish, but..  Thanks for the links.

So I called Bruce's Boxers, that '84 motor is still there with about 30k miles on it, he's asking 300$ for it.  I've emailed Larry, too, so we'll see how that goes.

So what do I do with the old motor?

[Justin B.]

Crap!    About the only way these bottom ends give out is running them out of oil or damaging the white O-ring while changing the filter.  But, we won't tell anybody... :-?  I suppose if it's a rod, and the crank journal wasn't damaged, you could get lucky by tossing in a new bearing.  They are split bearings like in a car engine and I believe you could change a rod bearing without removing the engine.

[trolle]

Quote: "They are split bearings like in a car engine and I believe you could change a rod bearing without removing the engine."

Quite easy: remove top and cylinder and the piston rod is accessible. you will need a special spanner for the nuts though, and you must not reuse the nuts but with luck, you will be able to do it for $60.

see http://picasaweb.google.com/petertrolle/BmwR6584Restoring/photo#5172472150085818402

greetings from a north with sun and clouds, but good riding conditions if you do not mind riding in temp. below 45 F

trolle