new type of control shaft clip

[rtboone]

Greetings

Since the forum has been quiet for a bit, I thought it might be interesting to share what I found when tearing into a model 03 engine.

Tom

p.s. I don't think it worked as the stopper was missing.

[BrianZ]

Interesting kluge. I have seen all kinds of badly conceived fixes over the years, many are likely due to a lack of spare parts as dealers closed up when Hodaka went bust. Here is the air filter in the first Hodaka I bought:

Brian

[Zyx]

Pretty sure that E-clip isn't intended to withstand as much side load as the control rod exerts. Still, it is in there and who knows how long it has been working.

[hodakamax]

This reminds me of my VW Beetle days. Every used one I bought had "Just been overhauled", which meant someone had taken it apart and attempted to put it back together. The last one I did the DPO had removed the aluminum heads and re-installed them without washers under the head bolts which didn't work at all. Like the doctor said concerning the control shaft clip," I've never seen that before!"

Max

PS--I did go to VWs Anonymous and am now completely cured.

[Bullfrog]

Well aren't those both cake takers? (!) (as in, doesn't that take the cake?)

Ed

[hodakamax]

OK, I've posted this before, but here's the last Hodaka I pulled apart with at least three DPO modifications.

Maxie

PS--I forgot one that wasn't pictured, the end of the kick starter shaft was also unusable.

[rtboone]

Greetings

Just thought I should share another photo of that 03 engine. I don't know what "Kluge" means, but maybe it applies to this terminal condition.

Also - Maxie - I am thinking of driving my 71 VW bus to HD 16. It would fit right in with the vintage bikes.

Tom

[hodakamax]

Hey Tom, A VW Hodaka Hauler, what could be better! Then you would only have to take one set of tools.

Maxie

[dcooke007]

Hey Tom,

That 03 engine is not totally terminal....at least not yet. If the crank is the only major issue it can be remedied. You would need to clean up the crank throws and see how they look. Obviously the rod is toast. If the bearing and seal surfaces are not pitted or scored the throws can be glass beaded for clean up and a new rod kit. Or, a crank can be built using Road Toad crank halves and a 95 rod kit. With the modified Road Toad crank you can use early style 125 pistons. There is a little more to the Road Toad crank build....like which crank pin and thrust washers to use.

I don't know if you do all your own work but if you need a crank built just let me know.

Danny

[dirty_rat]

I have a question. Can you use a model 94 or 95 crank in an 03 wombat, or is the clutch side shaft longer to accommodate the primary kick starter? If so, are there any other cranks that can be used, or can you rebuild the 03 crank with the earlier parts so you can use the earlier pistons? Thanks ... Dirty Rat

[dirtsquirt74]

I am not sure that I am answering your question but here goes.

My 03 Wombat motor was making strange sounds and found it needed a lower crank bearing. At that time anyway, all parts were available to rebuild the crank. Never regretted the decision and bike runs great. It again completed the Hodaka Days trail ride without mechanical problems.

[Bullfrog]

Nope, you can't use a model 94 or 95 crank to rebuild a Model 03 Wombat - and you mentioned the reason (clutch and primary kick start system). However (as mentioned in the post just prior to the question), you can use a Road Toad crank. It has the necessary length of splines/etc on the clutch side for the primary kick system. It must have a 125 rod from the model 94/95/97 installed in place of the stock Road Toad rod in order to work in a 125cc engine. AND then, since the new rod is being used, you must also use (you get to use?) a piston from the model 94/95/97 series of engines.

Ed

[rtboone]

Danny

The crank seal areas were badly pitted especially om the mag side. Didn't see any way to save the crank.
The cases are also pitted at the bottom of the crank area ,more than half way through where the cases meet, but usable so I have them in my future project box.
The tranny is spinning happily in another set of cases that I was able source, so it wasn't a total loss. It's unfortunate that the PO didn't take the time to store the engine in a dry place.

I do do all my own work, that's what makes it fun for me, but I don't do crank re-building so I will definitely keep you in mind when I need one done.

Tom

[dcooke007]

Tom,
I hate it when I come across an engine in the condition as the one you pictured. It would have been so easy to prevent that kind of damage. At least you were able to save the trans.

Danny

[dirty_rat]

Okay.

Can you rebuild a 03 wombat crank with a 94, 95 or 97 rod kit so you can use the more common pistons?

[Bullfrog]

Nope. The 94/95/97 rod won't fit on the 03 crank pin.

Ed