Building a 1988 Suzuki RM250 engine

[rocket03]

Mike, I too am trying to restore an 88 RM250. I really like the look of your engine prior to and after painting. This "vapor blasting" you used to clean your engine cases with, is this something that can be bought on the cheap for at home or is this a larger operation service thing only? Also, on your engine painting, was the cases powder coated or actually painted with paint?

I have two frames I'm working with, the first I primed and painted using Krylon "True Blue" paint. It looks great but I have serious doubts it's going to last. I was thinking of having the second frame powder coated along with the engine cases once I split the engine.

Can you offer some thoughts on this and what the best, most durable way, to proceed would be. I'm trying to do the restoration on a budget so I really don't want to throw thousands upon thousands at it.

Next, that 88 RM250 swingarm. I have bought three now to use but all three have been cracked at the pivot points. I have one that was welded already that I am going to use on the bike. Is there anything that can be located, or fit from another year, on the 88 model?

Finally, I'm hearing the stock Mikuni carb s are junk. Would a Keihen PWK 36mm work on this motor? What are you thoughts on carb replacement?

Beautiful work on your 88. I'm saving the photos for motivational purposes!

[Sandblaster]

Jason Tanner at JT Engine Works did the build in my shop.
He used Ford Blue (I think it was light blue) VHT Engine paint.
It was rattle canned and then baked at 200f for an hour.
It is not as good as the factory finish but there are not a lot of options.
Powder coating is a lot more durable but the colors are harder to mix and match.
Vapor blasting can be done with a pressure washer and an adapter tool.
It's a real mess but it can be done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-kUiBDNAao

I would use fine glass media and as low of pressure as you can run.
I find that 70-80lbs works the best for air pressure.
I have a nice cabinet that was made for vapor blasting and everything is well regulated.
But there are no real cheap alternatives that I am aware of other then the pressure washer add ons.

We are looking into Cerakote but again the colors are limited.

If you have any questions feel free to ask..

[rocket03]

Mike, I had my engine soda blasted and have been working on paint prep for the past few days. I am also going to use the VHT Ford Paint like you did but wanted to ask you about primer. I bought some self etching primer to put on the cases prior to laying down the paint. Did you use any primer before painting?

[Sandblaster]

I did not.
Although it probably wouldn't be a bad idea.
Whatever you do, just be sure there is NO oil, finger grease, ect on the parts or you will have a nightmare

[rocket03]

Mike, you just saved my arse yet again! I check your build pics often and noticed I assembled my power valve wrong. I'll try to put a pic of what I did here with this post. Where would the spacers go, on the outside I'm guessing?

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater

[rocket03]

Mike, one additional thing. Where did you locate a replacement spacer for the shift lever? I've been searching to no avail. I'm looking into having one custom made but if you have an easier solution I'd appreciate it!

[Sandblaster]

We had 4 engines we were pulling parts from.
I believe one of them was good out of the four.
I will check with Jason and get back to you.

[Sandblaster]

Yep... One was in good condition.
Jason cleaned it up nicely.

[rocket03]

Mike, do you still run a 20:1 premix on the engine like the manual states to do or are you running something else?

[Sandblaster]

Lol...
Yeah, it is running 50:1 Amsoil Dominator

20:1 was when oils were not near as good as they are today..