help save my triple... minor wreck

[merryfknpoppins]

Week and a half ago, I put my bike down on a nasty curve... came off the high side of the turn into the gravel and to my suprise there was a downed tree on the side of the road. Basically the bike hit the tree branches laying out, threw me off (fractured my pelvis) and the bike got wrestled around in the branches. Got thrown over the top, landed on the left side handlebars and the sub frame.

Swing arm is not broken, Forks are only have a minor tweak (I know they need to be replaced) and it seems that the exhaust pipes hit a branch and were forced back/ bent back around an inch.

I started ripping it down today. Took all the broken plastics off and the tank. I broke a quick connector on the tank too so the engine lost fuel pressure as soon as it happened. All things are looking good but the engine seems to be seized.

When the bike landed, it looks like the shifter got jammed into an upshift. When the bike got to my garage i could only move it in neutral because after disconnecting the bent shift linkage we couldnt get it to shift at all. Repairing the shift linkage i now have the bike moving through gears but the engine isnt going anywhere.

In an attempt to get it to spin, I put it in first and popped it in gear rolling a couple times. It moved a bit goin backwards and after doing that you can hear the starter turn it a 1/8 of a crank before it jams.

Wish i could take it to the dealer but its going to be too deep for my pockets. Anyone got an idea on what could have caused the seizure and how should i start addressing the engine problem?

[DEcosse]

I had to do some digging of your past posts to found what model you had - it would be helpful if you revisit your usercp and update the 'favourite bike' field with your year/model and location is also useful.
These will appear under your screen-name in the left margin so will instantly identify what you're talking about when you have questions.

Now that I know what you have, I believe I know exactly what your problem is - with 97-01 bikes, when it goes down on the left side with engine running, the breather sucks the oil out of the left hand casing (which is now full of oil) by induction of the intake; that promptly goes straight down the TB and promptly hydrolocks the engine.
The other tell-tale sign of this is if you pull the plug at the bottom of the airbox drain hose (exits on the left side of the engine, by the fuel vent lines) then you will drain oil from that hose.
Most likely cylinder 1 which is closest to the breather port in the airbox and of course also the one on the left side (and lowest when on its side) so will ingest the oil in preference to the other cylinders
Pull the spark plugs, then with bike in gear, rotate the wheel to pump the oil out - it will be messy! You could also try a syringe and a hose.
Once you get most of oil out, then put fresh plugs in and engine should be free to run.
It is rare that any damage is done to engine - when it locks, the valves are already closed and in compression stroke, so there is nothing to create metal-metal contact of valves & pistons.
You will also need to pull the airbox & clean it up of course

Good luck! Hope the recovery goes well & speedy.

[merryfknpoppins]

You were right on about the hydro lock. I just got done taking everything apart. Plugs were oily. Got everything apart and cranked it... and was then blasted in the chest with about 2 oz of oil... fun.

Hazzzaaa!!! the engine spins. Fortunatly i think it was shut off before it hydro locked too. When taking it apart i found that one of my quick connects on the fuel tank was broken off, so the rail dropped pressure when it went down and stopped it.

Is there any write ups on how to check a frame for damage and make sure it still square?

Also, Whats the best way to track down a set of controls and handlebars. their all bent to hell and the mirrors broke off the controls.

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by merryfknpoppins

...Got everything apart and cranked it... and was then blasted in the chest with about 2 oz of oil.....

Which is why I suggested rotating the engine with the rear wheel and in gear!

Where are you located? (again - please update your profile if you would)

I think TriumphUK is having a clearance special on fat-bars and risers - they will fit the early bikes as well as the 1050's.

[merryfknpoppins]

I let it blow out the cylinders for about 20 or 30 seconds. Got everything put back together and it still cant make compression on that 1st cylinder.

How long do i need to run it without any spark plugs in it before i should be able to make compression. I'm getting mist out of #1 now.

Also, Where should i go to buy some parts? Having a hard time finding anyone online who sells components. I need to get the quick release fuel connectors replaced on the tank. One broke then i broke the second one trying to remove it. How should i do this now, reverse thread bolt remover?

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by merryfknpoppins

I let it blow out the cylinders for about 20 or 30 seconds. Got everything put back together and it still cant make compression on that 1st cylinder...

When you say 'can't make compression' do you mean you can't overcome the fluid pressure yet?
Just need to keep working on the oil removal - as I suggested try a small tube and a syringe.
Turn the engine by the method I suggested - bike in gear and rotate the back wheel - until the piston is at TDC - then it will be easier to access the oil

Also, Where should i go to buy some parts? Having a hard time finding anyone online who sells components. I need to get the quick release fuel connectors replaced on the tank. One broke then i broke the second one trying to remove it. How should i do this now, reverse thread bolt remover?

BikeBandit is pretty much only on-line supplier of Triumph parts - they are pretty slow however but you will get a -10% discount if you use the TriumphRat coupon code at check-out.
Their part numbers are not OEM incidentally - only good for BikeBandit, nowhere else.
You may as well order from your local dealer.

Here's a link for metal fittings to replace the plastic ones
http://www.rideteamtriumph.com/speed_triple.htm
Make sure you get correct year fitment for your bike.
Be careful installing these - a couple of guys recently have had problems with them not flowing correctly due to a very fussy installation procedure.

Yes, try EZ-out to remove the broken pieces - they are almost epoxied in due to the sealer that they used on the original plastic ones (even new plastic ones come with sealer already on the fitting)


When you're all said & done, don't be surprised to see a check engine light when you first start it.
If you had ignition on with tank disconnected, that will throw the light.
But after three complete warm-up/cool-down cycles it will go out.

[merryfknpoppins]

DEcosse,

Thanks, Your a great help.