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I found a very inexpensive engine along the route I was already going to drive, to a friend's house. It added a few miles and some time, but it was well worth it.
The pickup
The guy was super cool, and the engine was in great condition. It even came with a set of carbs that would have cost nearly $200 on their own on eBay.
It even came with a set of carbs that would have cost nearly $200 on their own.
I picked it up on a trip to California I was already going to make, and stored it for a few months, until a trip across the country I was already planning.
Why drive
I usually fly to New York. This time I wanted to drive, for a few reasons:
- A chainsaw and some large yard tools to move.
- A worm tower and other yard supplies to move, too.
- The drive itself, for perspective.
- My own car in New York, to run my own errands and visit family without relying on anyone.
There was already space, and the cost savings contributed a lot to the economy of the trip. I paid a little more than a plane ticket each way in gas — but with the car and the tools along, it was well worth it.
So the engine was just icing on top.
The engine was just icing on top.
The number I didn't call
The seller of the motorcycle had given me a phone number for someone who had parts. But the whole thing kind of stunk. It felt like he knew the issue with the engine, knew the guy, and was doing some kind of get-me-to-buy-an-engine-from-his-friend thing.
I didn't want to go that route, even if I paid more. My guess is that in the end, I paid much less.
Heat on the original piston
On the first video, I got comments on how to free up the top end of the CL's original engine. I followed that advice: heat, and something metal instead of wood to hit the piston down once it was heated.
It still took me a while, but it made progress a little at a time.
I really value the tips and help I get from YouTube. I don't earn anything from it, but the work I do is worth it for the amount of help I get.
I don't earn anything from YouTube, but the work is worth it for the amount of help I get.
Two engines, under $1,000
I'll be able to save this engine — and have two engines, two sets of carbs, and a complete classic, all for under $1,000.