1. Husqvarna Motorcycles Made In Sweden - About 1988 and older

Compression test

Discussion in 'Vintage/Left Kickers' started by Xcuvator, Aug 4, 2009.

  1. Xcuvator Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Scholls Oregon
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    TE450,610 WB165,WR250 WR360 & XC430
    Other Motorcycles:
    yes
    I have, in my possession a 82 430XC, which I'm thinking of buying. The bike is in pretty good shape for its age. The owner has let me bring it home to check it out. I have done the usual things that you do to bikes that have set. I've cleaned the carb,tank and checked for spark.

    The bottom line is I can't get it to start. So I checked the compression and after about 8 kicks 80LB. is all there is. Not being a 2ST tuner my question is: Is there anything special that I should do when checking it? I did remove the slide, what about the reed valve?
    My understanding is that these motors a known to have crank seal problems. Will that effect compression?

    I have read that this model is worthy of spending some time and money on because they can be made to run and handle very well. This is why this bike interests me. What about shop manual? Thanks
  2. HuskyDude Moderator

    Location:
    BC, Canada
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    13/TR650
    Other Motorcycles:
    10/EC300, 76/TY175
    I'm sure someone else will kick in here but you could try a wet/dry comp. test.
    Squirt a couple of drops of oil in the cylinder through the spark plug hole and see if there is much difference.

    80 seems a bit low to me and if it goes to 130-160 after the oil...then you know it could be rings.:thumbsup:

    If it stays the same you might be looking at seals.
  3. beuford Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    I also have a 82 430XC, and when i got it it had 60psi cold with throttle open. It would start fine but would not rev out.
    I got it bored out with new piston/rings and now it revs good but i only get 90psi cold.
    I have never done a compression test warm as im sure that big piston must expand quite a bit and give me better readings.
    If you have a cracked reed or they are not seated then it would be harder to start.
  4. Dirtdame Administrator

    Location:
    Rock Springs Wy
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    11 WR300,13 WR125,18 FE501
    Other Motorcycles:
    17 Beta Xtrainer
    A two stroke motor that is all in good shape, top and bottom usually has about 150 pounds cold, I have found. At least, all my engines do.:D
  5. Motosportz CH Sponsor

    Location:
    Vancouver WA
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    2021 TE250i, 570 Berg, 500 KTM, 790R
    Other Motorcycles:
    many
  6. Xcuvator Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Scholls Oregon
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    TE450,610 WB165,WR250 WR360 & XC430
    Other Motorcycles:
    yes
    Thanks everyone for the encouragement. Money is a little tight right now, to say the least. On the other hand, it is owned by the guy that does my farming, so I think maybe we can work something out.

    Kelly, nice pictures and story, thats the bike, this one looks to be all stock I guess. Only difference this bike has a red tank, straight too, with original paint. I'll post a pic. when I get the tank back on.
    Kinda pumped
  7. Picklito Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Washington
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    430, 430, 430, ,400, 175
    Other Motorcycles:
    KTM250xc, KTM500mx, KTM440exc
    Second that.
  8. schimmelaw Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Rowlett, Texas
    Xcuvator,

    Third that. Post up photos. I (and alot of other folks, I think) enjoy seeing what others are doing/repairing/riding. Best of luck w/ your starting issues.

    Rick