Barrel for a Honda 84 CR250RE (Steam Train)

[Kenneth S (222)]

Hi Guys, I have replaced just about everything on this bike, the hoses, the water pump, the radiators, the head, the head gasket about 6 times($$$$), had the barrel and head decked and still it is a steam train with pressure somehow getting into the cooling system.

Anyone got a Honda 84 CR250RE barrel in reasonable condition kicking around the shed they would like to give a new home? I could pick it up from you at CD9.

[Canam370]

What sort of coolant are you using? A friend was using the 'ducks guts' top shelf coolant and had overheating issues. Red hot barrel but cool radiators. Seems the coolant was cavitating in the pump housing and not getting circulated. Changed to another type and no more problems. Just a thought.

[GMC]

But do you know that the barrel is the problem?
Could be a waste of time / money if it turns out to be the head?

[head]

Have you pressure tested the bike? Borrow a tester or take it to a bike shop, you will know the state of the system and will probably find a leak if it has one.

[Kenneth S (222)]

Thanks Canam370, I hadn't considered the coolant being the problem. I am using a Toyota anti corrosive one to combat the Honda water pump problems. I'll try changing that.

GMC, Good point, I left that off the list, I have tried 2 different heads (Thanks BigK for the cylinder head) and had the same problem with both heads. It has to be the barrel, there isn't anything else! Is there

Thanks Head, you are correct, I should get it pressure tested. I have considered a stick of dynamite but all that would do is make me feel better, it wouldn't tell me much. It would be good to finally know what the problem is $600, 8 months and 7 race meets later.

[Hardo]

Ken.... Please don't fix it.... I have grown so fond of following the trail from the famous STEAM TRAIN ! 

You never mentioned changing the rider?? 

On a serious note - have you fully checked your water pump impeller?

See you at CD?

[bigk]

Gave a cylinder away not so long ago. I'll have a look for another.
K

[Jeffc]

hi,i had similar issues with my 125 as it would use coolant or heat seize.Have you checked the piston to cylinder clearance?this was the problem with mine as the previuos u.s owner
had it rebored incorrectly.After changing everything you have already done i ended up sending it to Serco in QLD and they worked it out straight away.