USED Nikasil Cylinders and Pistons

[dougjordan]

Found a used set . Tobe put on my 78 R100/7 . Need to talk to the guy first but looking for some insight first about how used is used . Not sure of the mileage on them what I do know is . (1) Off a GS (2) Re placed because of oil useage , turned ouy tobe a bad valve guide. I have a dial bore gauge should I mic them first ( (do they ware out) what about the piston ? Is $600 to much. Will they fit , I know about maching a step off the base. Help Appreciate.

[lostboy]

It's worth checking clearance but they rarely wear significantly. They do wear out their rings, though. $600 would seem acceptable.

[krehmkej]

I put Nikasils on my R80. You should be able to see the cross-hatching on them. If you can, they are good to go with just new rings. Be sure to get the Nikasil-specific ones, however. I did the "dry" start/break-in routine with great results. Hasn't used a drop of oil in 3K miles since.

[AntonLargiader]

Used is used. I've seen plenty of worn-out Nikasil junk being sold. I'd never consider for a moment paying $600 for a used set, sight unseen.

If you can measure them before you buy, that might be different.

[vanzen]

Also in the market for a used pair of cyls. only.
Check cylinder wall surface carefully for 'pits', 'flaking', and any irregularities.
Measuring is always a good idea.

A new pair of matched cyls. & pistons at Capital is @ $739.90.
I would consider 50% of that ($369.95 for a good, functional used set) as a baseline for pricing.

Also, I would be somewhat skeptical of the credibility of anyone who forks out $700+ for NEW cylinders
only to say the purchase wasn't needed – "it was just the guides after all".
The situation poses these options (among others, of course):
PO is unfamiliar with testing & measuring procedure such that the condition of the parts should be questioned.
PO is so rich that he can't afford a mechanic to diagnose the problem.
PO is fabricating a story to recover his losses.

[mymindsok]

If the used parts are $600, I'd do what I just did...

I bought brand new parts. No hassels, no worries, no sad tales and they'll outlast me and the rest of the bike! :thumb

[racegun]

HOW CAN one go about finding good used st nik jugs?

[beemerPhil]

Never seen Nik barrels 'wear out', if there wasn't something wrong with 'em to start with, but the pistons are another story completely. If the po didn't play the bike right, your clearance could be anywhere- and I agree with the previous poster that the valve guide story sounds a bit thin. Possible, but thin.

Dirty air or dirty oil will eat up the pistons in not too many miles- leaky air tubes, a dry K&N air filter, or just sloppy maintenance will hasten the wear of everything, and the pistons are just aluminum, running against a very hard silicon surface- they'll go first.

$600 is fair enough, if the set is as good as he says. If....

Bring your money with you if you're tempted, but bring your mikes & bore gauge in your other pocket. Be sure to check for taper and out of round- nikasil barrels are all aluminum, no liner, and they won't tolerate over-tightening much.

YMMV- You roll the house dice on this one. Good luck!

[mmmalmberg]

Also buying new you can put 9.5:1 in there; might the GS pistons not be 8.2 or something? I have to kind of +1 on the new parts - it feels so much better than doing all the work of putting in stuff you're not really sure about. More variables eliminated...