1988/125 Engine Mounts and steering

[Justinde]

HI All

I have been very quiet the last few years- all is well with the beast.

I have a confession, I did get an old school mechanic to check my girl over- not that I don't trust the forum- I just do not trust myself, and for a few hundred bucks, I have peace of mind. Let's face it, unless you can walk on water, it's hard to get back if you break down.

Having said that, I need to replace the engine mounts on my 1988/125. I bought some magnificent second hand ones from ebay, but I need to know if there is anything special I need to look out for? Also what size bolts would help.

Also, the mechanic advised me that the steering was ' stiff' because of bad steering bushes- any thoughts on this would also be appreciated. He said that I could heat the steering with oxy, and maybe get another 12 months out of it?? But I would prefer I repair the steering correctly.

I am great with replacing parts, just not so great with some finer details ( mixtures/timing etc).


Any input would be appreciated. Any questions ( in case I do not make sense) are welcomed.

Thank you to the best forum on the planet.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Stiff steering: FIRST THING!!! unhook the steering and see how easy the motor turns and then check
the cable by turning the wheel.

The steering tube: it can have a build up of old grease and muck. They sell long tube brushes(hook it to a drill) clean it .
Then while the cable is out, extend it and clean the old grease and muck.

Those things might clear up the problem.
When you reassemble use a thin grease or oil. NO silicone sprays or anti-seize.

Why change the mounts? Does it wobble?
The job's not gonna be easy. I use a propane torch and heat the bolts and nuts and spray with PB Blaster or something similar. Do this a couple of times before you attempt. Watch out for fires.

Bad "steering bushings" ?? They usually don't go bad the grease gets old and gummed up.
Some heat will make the grease move.
DO NOT add grease to the mid section zerks as they will pop out from the back pressure, again HEAT.
The bushings top and bottom are plastic and excess heat will melt them and you can make them seize the
kingpin. But you can heat them a bunch before that happens.

Hint: heat the top and add grease. Let cool (ice pack) then heat the other end and add grease.
That way the grease will move up or down as needed.

Good luck fixing the mounts.

 

[Justinde]

Thanks Jerry,

Engine wobbles so the mounts are broken. The mechanic said whilst I am doing the mounts, I might as well do the steering at the same time.

I did the exhaust plate a while ago, and only snapped 1 bolt, so I was happy with that. I think the engine mounts will take some time and grunt to fix. I am sure it will be happier with the engine mounts on.

Cheers