u/CourseInfamous8982

Hello!

I am looking for some advice.

After having my motorcycle license for 12 years I finally pulled the trigger on my first bike; a 1981 Kawasaki KE100. Aka a glorified moped that makes cool noises.

Purchased it non operational, prev owner said carbs just needed to be cleaned and fresh gas. Not afraid to get my hands dirty (never worked on a motorcycle) because how hard can it be? I got her idling after doing just that, a new fuel line and a new petcock.

The day I was able to get it to idle, decided to drive it around the parking lot. During the short 5 min ride, there was no power, running very lean, then would not run off of choke at all. Know it was an air issue, I couldn’t figure out why after countless YouTube and ancient forum threads… I was starting to lose hope… then my heart sank.

I started to see oil seepage/dripping after I parked it. I couldn’t tell from where. After cleaning off the bottom of the crankcase, I noticed a small hole the size of a flathead on the LH crankcase. I drained the oil to find metal flakes but no chunks.

I have yet to remove the engine as I am still a beginner but it’s looking like I’m going to have to remove it and even split the case at some point.

This is starting to become way more intrusive than I anticipated.

What are my options? Weld the case and fill the hole? JB weld? I’d be willing to try anything at this point. I just want to get on the road, man! I’m hoping to find a more cost effective and timely solution than a total rebuild. Located in CA, USA.

Thanks for any advice 🤝✌️

Hello!

I am looking for some advice.

After having my motorcycle license for 12 years I finally pulled the trigger on my first bike; a 1981 Kawasaki KE100. Aka a glorified moped that makes cool noises.

Purchased it non operational, prev owner said carbs just needed to be cleaned and fresh gas. Not afraid to get my hands dirty (never worked on a motorcycle) because how hard can it be? I got her idling after doing just that, a new fuel line and a new petcock.

The day I was able to get it to idle, decided to drive it around the parking lot. During the short 5 min ride, there was no power, running very lean, then would not run off of choke at all. Know it was an air issue, I couldn’t figure out why after countless YouTube and ancient forum threads… I was starting to lose hope… then my heart sank.

I started to see oil seepage/dripping after I parked it. I couldn’t tell from where. After cleaning off the bottom of the crankcase, I noticed a small hole the size of a flathead on the LH crankcase. I drained the oil to find metal flakes but no chunks.

I have yet to remove the engine as I am still a beginner but it’s looking like I’m going to have to remove it and even split the case at some point.

This is starting to become way more intrusive than I anticipated.

What are my options? Weld the case and fill the hole? JB weld? I’d be willing to try anything at this point. I just want to get on the road, man! I’m hoping to find a more cost effective and timely solution than a total rebuild. Located in CA, USA.

Thanks for any advice 🤝✌️

Hello!

I am looking for some advice.

After having my motorcycle license for 12 years I finally pulled the trigger on my first bike; a 1981 Kawasaki KE100. Aka a glorified moped that makes cool noises.

Purchased it non operational, prev owner said carbs just needed to be cleaned and fresh gas. Not afraid to get my hands dirty (never worked on a motorcycle) because how hard can it be? I got her idling after doing just that, a new fuel line and a new petcock.

The day I was able to get it to idle, decided to drive it around the parking lot. During the short 5 min ride, there was no power, running very lean, then would not run off of choke at all. Know it was an air issue, I couldn’t figure out why after countless YouTube and ancient forum threads… I was starting to lose hope… then my heart sank.

I started to see oil seepage/dripping after I parked it. I couldn’t tell from where. After cleaning off the bottom of the crankcase, I noticed a small hole the size of a flathead on the LH crankcase. I drained the oil to find metal flakes but no chunks.

I have yet to remove the engine as I am still a beginner but it’s looking like I’m going to have to remove it and even split the case at some point.

This is starting to become way more intrusive than I anticipated.

What are my options? Weld the case and fill the hole? JB weld? I’d be willing to try anything at this point. I just want to get on the road, man! I’m hoping to find a more cost effective and timely solution than a total rebuild. Located in CA, USA.

Thanks for any advice 🤝✌️

Hello!

I am looking for some advice.

After having my motorcycle license for 12 years I finally pulled the trigger on my first bike; a 1981 Kawasaki KE100. Aka a glorified moped that makes cool noises.

Purchased it non operational, prev owner said carbs just needed to be cleaned and fresh gas. Not afraid to get my hands dirty (never worked on a motorcycle) because how hard can it be? I got her idling after doing just that, a new fuel line and a new petcock.

The day I was able to get it to idle, decided to drive it around the parking lot. During the short 5 min ride, there was no power, running very lean, then would not run off of choke at all. Know it was an air issue, I couldn’t figure out why after countless YouTube and ancient forum threads… I was starting to lose hope… then my heart sank.

I started to see oil seepage/dripping after I parked it. I couldn’t tell from where. After cleaning off the bottom of the crankcase, I noticed a small hole the size of a flathead on the LH crankcase. I drained the oil to find metal flakes but no chunks.

I have yet to remove the engine as I am still a beginner but it’s looking like I’m going to have to remove it and even split the case at some point.

This is starting to become way more intrusive than I anticipated.

What are my options? Weld the case and fill the hole? JB weld? I’d be willing to try anything at this point. I just want to get on the road, man! I’m hoping to find a more cost effective and timely solution than a total rebuild. Located in CA, USA.

Thanks for any advice 🤝✌️