I had an offer to loan me the tool or put the ring on for me, Thank You!
I took two hours but I was able to get it done using a small punch and a piece of vinyl tubing.

What did I learn? Get the correct tool!

You can't go wrong with anyone who is recommended here. As far as cost goes everyone I've talked to is reasonable and they care about your engine. And finally the money you spend on labor won't be a drop in the bucket by the time you are done. And if you're like most of the folks here as soon as one...

Hahahahahaha! Too funny.
Looking forward to seeing the process.

Thrownchain, good eye! Thanks.
I should have set it on there. It's missing the control rod and a few other things that are on a towel that I cropped out.

"Starting the Combat!"
Jeez give me a heart attack! I saw that and I'm thinking how did he get it going already?

I'm waiting for a big 03 order. It might arrive tomorrow.
I mocked up the engine for practice today.

Thanks Matt!

Lookin good! I'm at about the same place as you with my 03.

At first the "main shaft" had me confused. I purchased the early one from Paul to work on my model 97. I've got all the parts ordered for the 03 and I'm glad to know now that I need a different tool. Instead of after much frustration. I couldn't find them on H-P so I'll have to see they ar...

Thanks for the pics! I purchased one that looks similar from SH for the control shaft. Mine is for the 125. So if there is another size count me in for one if there is a group buy.

Can someone post a pic of one or description?
And I have to say that the Hodaka people I've met here, on Facebook, and in person are what makes this the most enjoyable time I've ever had fooling around with dirt bikes.

I think it's your turn. Start on the Combat.

thrownchain,
Yep, and if it isn't in spec I'm already working on plan B or maybe I'm at plan M by now.

Pulled the top off the Montana 03. Not as bad as I was afraid of. Think it was over oiling a little? Here are some piston pics before and after. The crankcase looks good. No rust and no extra rod movement. Turns over easily. I'm going to take it the rest of the way down and put one of HPI's complete...

This is from the bike I just received from Montana. Was stored inside so I was hoping I could get it going without too much work. Doesn't look like it. . Pic through the exhaust port.

Need me to take some pictures of both?

03 #3
Delivered this morning! First looks this appears to be in great shape!
Now the fun continues!

Looking forward to your review. I'm dreaming about a diy setup but too many projects going already

Double thumbs up! This is a great group of people to be associated with!

Vic, I hung curtain rods tonight. I did not venture outside. 14° mmaybe tomorrow. Brrrrr.

Hooray! Terry Larson has a new 2-3 gear with my name on it! So now I'm thinking about putting the 95 engine back together with an 03 barrel and running it in the SC for now.
Terry is working hard on inventory and has found some treasures recently. It's a good time to be fooling around with Hodakas!

This is a very good step by step process. Thanks Dale!

Well, I did have a lead on a 94450 shaft. But that's not what I needed either. I posted this on FB last night. Got some good information. Dealer close ratio gear set which explains why I couldn't find it in any parts list.

I thought they wouldn't be the same. A person shouldn't copy and paste late at night.
95 mainshaft 944500
02 mainshaft 994500
I think I have a lead the correct one.
Thanks Ed.

Except for one itty bitty broken tooth.
Third gear on the main shaft. Grrrrr.
If.im looking at the schematics correctly the same main shaft is in the 95 and the 02. Part number 99450. If so I have a spare 02 engine. Maybe I'll get lucky.

I already posted a picture of my 97 repaired case. I finally got around to dissassembling the 95. You can see where the case is broken on this one and since the trans looks almost new I assume this was why it was junked. So for now I am going to get this repaired and put the bottom back together wit...