The Hodaka Club Forum

I’m going to have my local machinist do my top end. He has asked me what the clearance should be and where this measurement should be taken. He knows what common practice is but wants to be sure. Any input is much appreciated.

Here is a link to an excellent post that shows how to take the measurements.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3969&p=34483&hilit= ... nce#p34483

As for the clearance, that would depend on what piston you are using. There are different recommendations depending upon brand and the era of manufacture. There will also be differing opinions between the experts and I am not one so I won't throw out any numbers. But if you go to Hodaka-Parts.com and look up the tech specs for the 01 Dirt Squirt you will find the factory listed clearances. Here is a link to that.
http://hodaka-parts.com/sub-category.as ... 6&cID=1954

Perhaps someone with more knowledge will chime in...

I will also warn you that the 01 Dirt Squirt, like the Road Toads, has an exhaust bridge that needs to be relieved in order to avoid seizures at that point. There is a very specific bulletin that describes how to do that. It is also common practice to drill a corresponding hole(s) in the piston where it rides that bridge to provide cooling/lubrication. These are the reasons why I would always recommend using a Hodaka expert for the machine work if possible... It is their experience and knowledge that is so valuable!

Ok, I’m glad I asked because it sounds like I need to reconsider my decision.

DangerWorm wrote: ↑Sat Apr 25, 2020 5:09 am Ok, I’m glad I asked because it sounds like I need to reconsider my decision.

Perhaps. The work can certainly be done by others, but there are some details to be aware of.

I Strongly recommend that you send the cylinder to Terry Larson & Hodaka Dave at Hodaka-Parts.com. As I stated before, they did the work to put a Super Rat piston in my Road Toad. Same set up as your Squirt, bridge relief and all. It’s worth the shipping costs for the knowledge & peace of mind.

Terry and Bev Larson
Hodaka Parts Inc
230 Birch Creek Lane
Union Missouri 63084

(314) 313-5635

You won’t regret it! Victor

There are many hodaka engine builders that can do a good job for you. You do need to ask for and be specific about what you need. I would guess that I have rebuilt about 75 plus engines. I have always used a feeler gauge to determine if I need to bore. Many of you have went to a oversized piston kinda bragging rights, when oversized rings filed to fit would run you further than you will ever ride. Now when a young person needs to go oversize there is not an affordable piston for him, so the parts get listed on ebay. I have done my own porting for myself and customers, I drill my holes in the piston and have cut square ones. Hodakas are so easy and fun to work on. Racing is different, there things need to be right on the money. My hat is off. to all the great engine builders out there. I the over the hill has been, recognizing the tallent's of others------------Clarence

You'd be playing it safe if you did as suggested: contact Hodaka Parts.com. it's not cheap, but most likely it'll be right.
They have the parts inventory.
If you already have your Piston kit and they think it's suitable they'll tell you and get the work done with what you send them.
If what you have isn't suitable they'll tell you.

Since they have the right parts and the access to a guy that's done it, that makes it fairly certain you'll get it right.

I've done enough work on this bore stuff and spent the money on measuring instruments. I'd have saved money but had less fun if I'd sent it to These Guys.

I do agree if you don't have the talent or know those that do, spend the big bucks and you will have it done right. There however are cheaper ways to end up with a good fun rider. I don't think I could recommend to every one spend the big bucks and pay more for the engine than you did for the bike. If you can afford a show room bike that is fun to. however my point is if you are a youngster trying to get uncle Joe"s bike running there are affordable options. Many professionally built engines have been wasted in a short amount of time. I just personally would never infer or imply that there is only one professional hodaka engine builder, however the one mentioned is among the very best, like others that also have parts available. So I will state you are correct. Clarence