Thunderbird Sport 900 1998 - Gaskets

[Biiim]

I’ve been gifted a T bird 900 1998 from by best friend. It’s been sitting for a year. Im currently letting the rusted alternator bolts soak in penetrating oil. The gear on the right side of the crank shaft has a broken tooth. I’m stripping the bike down to clean and to remove the engine. I’ll be examining the damage of the broken tooth ricocheting around the crank case. eBay crank shaft a good idea?

The bike has been sitting outside in Florida for a year. So lots of things need cleaned and replaced. Especially seals and gaskets. I want to order those preemptively.

Where is the best place to get gaskets? Should I get a kit? Should I make my own? Should I buy individually? What materials are best. Thanks in advance ! This girl is beyond excited to take this beautiful bike apart and get it purring!

 

[atomsplitter]

It's probably best to get an engine kit with all the gaskets for a rebuild. You'll also need carb kits to rebuild the carbs, probably a tank seal (I recommend Caswell, it's a one step process unlike Kreem). Not to mention assorted rubber bits and bobs like intake boots etc. You have a money pit, but the end product should justify the means.

 

[sikatri]

Great gift! Look forward to following your restoration!

 

[Biiim]

It's probably best to get an engine kit with all the gaskets for a rebuild. You'll also need carb kits to rebuild the carbs, probably a tank seal (I recommend Caswell, it's a one step process unlike Kreem). Not to mention assorted rubber bits and bobs like intake boots etc. You have a money pit, but the end product should justify the means.

Money pit for sure! According to eBay I can get a crank shaft for 100$ all the seals, gaskets and boots will cost more than that. The kit makes sense but may question is do you know a reliable company to buy quality gaskets from ? Not tryna be cheap w the seals and gaskets.

 

[sikatri]

Money pit for sure! According to eBay I can get a crank shaft for 100$ all the seals, gaskets and boots will cost more than that. The kit makes sense but may question is do you know a reliable company to buy quality gaskets from ? Not tryna be cheap w the seals and gaskets.

I’ve used this online store to get miscellaneous gaskets for my 2005 Thruxton.
https://www.triumphestore.com/Triumph_1998_Thunderbird.htmlThey should have some gaskets and perhaps rebuild kits.

 

[Biiim]

I’ve used this online store to get miscellaneous gaskets for my 2005 Thruxton.
https://www.triumphestore.com/Triumph_1998_Thunderbird.htmlThey should have some gaskets and perhaps rebuild kits.

Awesome thank you !

 

[sikatri]

Awesome thank you !

You’re welcome!

 

[Biiim]

Just stripped this 8mm hex bolt !!! What the ! Yes I was using 8 mm wrench. Should I take this photo to the workshop forum ??

 

[atomsplitter]

Were you using a six-point socket??

 

[Biiim]

View attachment 56828Just stripped this 8mm hex bolt !!! What the ! Yes I was using 8 mm wrench. Should I take this photo to the workshop forum ??

I’m gonna use a screw extractor wish me luck

 

[Biiim]

Were you using a six-point socket??

Yes !!! I’m so mad. Anyways I’ve put penetrating oil on it and I’m gone screw extract

 

[sikatri]

Go slow and let penetrating oil work longer than you think it needs.
Also If the hex socket is on an extension, you can tap it lightly with a wood mallet. It helps it work loose easier after the penetrating oil.

 

[Biiim]

Go slow and let penetrating oil work longer than you think it needs.
Also If the hex socket is on an extension, you can tap it lightly with a wood mallet. It helps it work loose easier after the penetrating oil.

Should have waited longer. Is the broken screws extractor to hard to re drill and try again? Or any other options ? Considering welding a nut on it and trying that. I have a flux welder. I’d need a welding blanket to Proctect the insides of the crank case.

 

[sikatri]

View attachment 56830
Should have waited longer. Is the broken screws extractor to hard to re drill and try again? Or any other options ? Considering welding a nut on it and trying that. I have a flux welder. I’d need a welding blanket to Proctect the insides of the crank case.

That looks like it is removed with a special tool. There’s a smaller hex within. The tool is likely stepped. I’d look into that before progressing. It’s likely still removable with the correct tool tip. The first and second pic look different? I’d still check for a specific engine cylinder head bolt removal tool from Triumph for your model.

Example like this allows for setting the hex deep and then using a socket attachment and a ratchet or bar.

 

[sikatri]

I’d make sure the whole bolt is fully covered with penetrating oil, essentially covered in oil. Way more than I saw in the picture.

 

[sikatri]

Just an example, but I would have a service manual by Triumph. It’ll tell you if a special tool is required.
Here’s an example, don’t know if this covers yours.
https://www.emanualonline.com/motor...00-1998-service-repair-manual-emo-237105.htmlI bought a printed version for my Triumph.

 

[Biiim]

That looks like it is removed with a special tool. There’s a smaller hex within. The tool is likely stepped. I’d look into that before progressing. It’s likely still removable with the correct tool tip. The first and second pic look different? I’d still check for a specific engine cylinder head bolt removal tool from Triumph for your model.
View attachment 56831
Example like this allows for setting the hex deep and then using a socket attachment and a ratchet or bar.

I have a manual for serving but not full break down. Definitely should but that. I’ll soak it. The first pic is the screw stripped. The second is a extractor bit sheared right off. This hex tool looks like it’s necessary if that what I need. I’m going to buy a manual. I was to eager and impatient. I’ll soak the screws over night and all day since I have work tomorrow.

 

[sikatri]

I have a manual for serving but not full break down. Definitely should but that. I’ll soak it. The first pic is the screw stripped. The second is an extractor bit sheared right off. This hex tool looks like it’s necessary if that what I need. I’m going to buy a manual. I was to eager and impatient. I’ll soak the screws over night and all day since I have work tomorrow.

Go slow, take your time. Get the correct tool and remove any of the other bolts first. You want to be able to put your body weight straight down if the bolt is hard to remove. It ensures it won’t slip. A good manual will help you plan the tools before you start. No worries, you’ll get it done and we’ll advise as much as we can.

 

[atomsplitter]

As Clark W. Griswold says, "It's all part of the experience."

 

[Biiim]

Go slow, take your time. Get the correct tool and remove any of the other bolts first. You want to be able to put your body weight straight down if the bolt is hard to remove. It ensures it won’t slip. A good manual will help you plan the tools before you start. No worries, you’ll get it done and we’ll advise as much as we can.

Just got the manual! I’m going read thru it all and get all the right tools!