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76 thunderdog seized engine
Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 3:38 pm
by 57napcoguy
I just got a thunderdog that was my grandpa's, it was sitting for around 30ish years my buddy told me to put some ATF down the spark plug hole to attempt to free it up before I tried to get the engine turning and it wouldnt so I pulled the top end off of it and it appears there has been water in the crankcase and everything inside the engine is seized. This is my 2nd time ever dealing with 2wheeled stuff, but would it be easier to search for a complete rebuild kit for the engine or possibly swap out the engine for one from a different manufacturer?
Re: 76 thunderdog seized engine
Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 3:48 pm
by matt glascock
The best move is to dismantle the motor down to the nuts and bolts, give everything a good cleaning and derusting, and assess. You might be surprised.
Re: 76 thunderdog seized engine
Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 4:12 pm
by 57napcoguy
Looking at the hodakaparts website. Since mine is a model71, does the model70/70a share the same 250?
Re: 76 thunderdog seized engine
Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 5:12 pm
by matt glascock
They are essentially the same motor. Great parts availability.
Re: 76 thunderdog seized engine
Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2020 3:26 pm
by socalhodaka
You need to contact one of the experts, I don’t believe pistons are available. The experts use a Suzuki piston, I do t know ifs it a direct fit or if the need to work on it. Email Greg at
[email protected].
Re: 76 thunderdog seized engine
Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2020 5:01 pm
by Joe Ormonde
Too bad they don`t have an ACE 100 crossover piston from something else! That 12x42mm pin seems to be exclusive to Hodaka. I know that a Suzuki 250 Piston was used for a WAY cheaper alternative for a CZ 250 also. Joe.
Re: 76 thunderdog seized engine
Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:27 am
by socalhodaka
Joe Ormonde wrote: ↑Mon Jun 29, 2020 5:01 pm
Too bad they don`t have an ACE 100 crossover piston from something else! That 12x42mm pin seems to be exclusive to Hodaka. I know that a Suzuki 250 Piston was used for a WAY cheaper alternative for a CZ 250 also. Joe.
Suzuki piston does work for the T-Dog
Re: 76 thunderdog seized engine
Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:47 am
by Joe Ormonde
Too bad a RM 100 Piston won`t work in a ACE 100. I can pick those things up for $20.00.I know the Suzuki 250 piston works in the Thunder Chicken. Fits a 1972 CZ 250 too. Joe.