mods to improve reliability and durability.

[csrmel]

im pretty much satisfied with my banshees performance, so i was thinking about doing some mods to the bike to increase its reliability and lenghten the time between rebuilds.

 

most of my riding is mild. some hill climbing, grassy pastures, techical woods trails, dust bowls, etc. nothing really crazy, and i dont beat on the machine. no prolonged full throttle periods or anything like that.

 

however, at certain times i notice the motor gets a little hot, getting close to overheating. one time i shut it down and about 10 seconds later i heard very mild bubbling from the cooling system. thats not good at all. tells me its running too hot.

 

so i was thinking of some ideas to help extend the motor life, such as adding a few 4 inch 10 watt computer fans behind the radiator. i was thinking of wiring them up to my heatlight low beam switch, and just eliminating my low beams all together. that way i would only have high beams. that should help out a bunch when im going through the slower technical trails and hill climbing yes?

 

also thinking of buying a used cylinder head off ebay for cheap and drilling/tapping the waterjacket to add a coolant tempature gauge which i would install on the handlebars.

 

another thing i was thinking of is going to evans waterless coolant. this stuff boils at almost 370 degrees F, so it should help to reduce hotspots in the cylinder head.

 

 

the last thing i was thinking of is buying a magnetic drain plug for the transmission.

 

you guys have any suggestiuons or additions to my ideas? would fattening the jets up a tick or 2 help anything?

 

remember my banshee is still 100% stock.

 

thanks.

[antmortem]

Engine ice, cool head will keep you cool. Good 2 stroke oil and regular oil changes will make your shee more reliable.

[blueshee03]

go with engine ice and a noss head.you should notice a pretty good change in engine temp.i have seen engine ice drop engine temps 30 to 40 degrees.there is also no reason to drill and tap head to add a temp guage ,do a search there was a couple good posts on here about installing temp guages.

[duner]

An aftermarket radiator has been one of my best investments.A cooler running motor will last longer.

[Wallrat]

billet impeller

temp gauge on coolant hose

aftermarket radiator

 

 

and in the non-cooling longevity mods:

longrod crank

case saver

skidplates

gusset frame

full hinson clutch

roundhouse swingarm

[odaen]

If you are still running the stock air filter, I'd toss that POS first and get a pro flo adapter and clamp on style filter if you are still gonna run the airbox.

[JET 99]

I would atleast check your impeller on the water pump, if it is cracked replace it with a billet. changing the radiator to an aftermarket= better cooling and usually a little weight loss too. if you havent removed tors on the stock carbs that will eventually bite you. use the same 2 stroke oil, dont switch up all the time.if you have stock filter toss it for k&n and adapter plate. jeff at fast or passion should be able to steer you in the right direction on engine internals.

 

 

 

 

Jim

[wesw]

for cooler temp get a rad like the toomey one or others. that plus engine ice my bike usually doesnt get above 150 deg unless im in the dune in a bottom.

 

$$$$ but probably the best investment i bought. in the winter i have to cover it almost completely up for it to get warm. like a winter front on a semi or car