motor problem with rotax 500

[Nozz]

I recently bought a used 94 classic. The motor just quit in the middle of a ride. Starter won't engage and kick start has no compression. Only way motor turns is when in gear and rear wheel turns. Any idea what's gone wrong?

[keithcross]

Sorry to say it sounds like a bent valve of holed piston. Have you checked the valve drive train, I thing this model runs a belt drive to teh overhead cam.


Keith

[Nozz]

Not yet. SInce it is pretty new to me, the shop that sold it is going to be looking into it in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the reply. In case the cam drive belt failed, would it cause valve/piston trouble, or maybe just need the belt replaced and timed?

[keithcross]

Nozz

Unfortunatly when a cambelt or camchain fails, it normally causes damage to the valves. In extreme caese it can also lead to piston and cylinder head damage.

Keith

[DAVID THOMPSON]

hello
check the belt if its bad they can be ordered
from http://www.rotax.net ron wood raceing in ca

and i can send you a how to time it info page

wd8cyv@yahoo.com

i have a 95 saxon tour same motor
a atk dealer may have a belt also a 98 405 uses the same belt

[keithcross]

If you need a new motor, check out the UK ebay site. There are very often bikes with this engine fitted cheap. The british Army use this motor in their bikes. And if you are not already aware some are Harley Davidson's.

Keith

[Nozz]

Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise. Wanted to let you know that it turned out that the bolt holding the cam belt pully had actually backed away and caused the pulley to get far enough off the shaft to strip out. New pully and back in action. David, I may take you up on the timing instrux. The guy I bought the bike from took care of it since it was pretty new to me, but in the future, I may certainly need to be self sufficient. Keith, I am very glad to say no damage was done inside