I have never rebuilt a motor before... but I'm a quick learner. Is replacing the rings on my '03 600HO a job that I can handle, or should I take it to the dealer. I'm somewhat mechanically inclined and will take my time to do it right, but I realize that I'm not a trained mechanic. I'd really like to learn how to do this... I really respect mechanics and others who have the knowledge and ability to be able to complete this type of task.

Can someone (Bill?) let me know what specifically I would need in terms of parts and tools and the approximate cost of this kind of undertaking? Is there anything else I should take care of while I'm in there that will improve performance and reliability?

I just don't want to make things worse, or less reliable, but I feel that this is something that I should understand how to do.

Thanks!

As far as while your in there, you can do a couple of things. Reeds are a easy one, and shiming the cylinders (thicker gasket under the cylinder to raise the ports) is a good option. As far as parts, you should go to new 2 ring pistons while your in there. If Cudney does not make a 600HO piston, wiseco makes a 2 ring teflon coated "kit" that hast everything you need.

Parts needed:
Cylinder Gasket

New O-Rings for the head (sometimes they can be re-used, sometimes they deform upon dissasembly

Good Quality Red High Temp Silicone

Tools Needed
Misc Screw Drivers (hose clamps, etc...)

Misc 3/8 drive sockets and ratchet

Metric Allen Wrenches (for the exhaust manifold)

Good Quality 3/8" torque wrench (for re-assembly)

I did mine this summer. I've never done one before either. My only mistake was getting one of the rings in upside down and having to redo that. Not a bad job, need the tools listed. Step one for me was to buy the shop manual on e-bay for $5. It comes on CD ROM and has all of the information you need and more. I had the cylinders resurfaced at a performance shop, (Flannery) he also chamfered the exhaust ports. He advised against the Weisco's that I had bought, returned them and went with OEM. They are supposed to have gone from moly to chrome for the rings now. My first set went 5500 miles. Hopefully these will go farther.

Oatie -What does Doug have against Wiseco?

Dave, you didn't mention shaving the head to keep the compression the same. You will lower the compression by raising the cylinders.

Go with Bill's piston/ring combo. Great rings and the pistons have a ceramic top and coated sides. Decent price as well. Easy job and should take the better part of an evening if you've never done it before. Just remember to watch out for the cageless needle bearings when you pull the piston pins. Lay a whole bunch of rags over the case so none fall in.

Before you go and tear it apart,talk to your dealer about possible warranty. My dealer called me last week and told me to bring our 03 600ho in for rings under warranty.This will be the second replacement set. NO CHARGE! :)

The new 05 rings are supposed to the fix,this is the type they will install in ours.

Thanks for the responses... I'll explore the options with my dealer again, but he basically says that there's no problem.

:bash:

Originally posted by skidoorev@Nov 30 2004, 08:04 AM
Thanks for the responses... I'll explore the options with my dealer again, but he basically says that there's no problem.

:bash:
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It is funny how some dealers go out of their way to service the customer and others just blow you off.

Example: Dealer calls me and said "Bring your sled down for a new set of rings whether it needs it or not,all under warranty" My wifes sled is an '03 and technically out of factory warranty. :p

If you go through the right channels I'm sure you could get it repaired no charge.
My dealer is Robs Performance Motorsports in south eastern Wisconsin. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to give Rob a call and tell him your situation and possibly get another contact to resolve your issue. His # is 1 920 699 3288 Good Luck!


Pete