Hello, I’m busy renovating my 1995 TTR 250 Raid which I have been using for classic enduros and TRF green laning here in Northumberland. Stripped top end today and find a small amount of rocking play at the small end. I will order a new gudgeon pin first, but I suspect I may need a new con rod. How much play, if an, is acceptabl?-
Welcome to the forum!
A small amount of rocking play is normal. Is there visible scoring in the little end or on the pin? If not I would not worry. Put it all together, make sure you pay attention to the valve clearances as this will be a source of ticking sounds, as will loose engine mounts, loose exhaust header heat shield, and chain clattering on the top roller if you have a lowering link and soft suspension settings/luggage!
A new conrod is major surgery to be avoided if at all possible!!
Hello Mossproof! Thank you for your helpful response. There are visible wear signs on one side of both the gudgeon pin and the small end bearing surface. Please see images attached. No wear signs on other side. The slight rocking motion only in the vertical plane, not horizontal. Also there is no straight up and down play (as if you were checking for big end play). I haven't stripped the top end because of any untoward noises, it was sounding and running fine. I stripped it to check the condition of bore and piston/rings etc. I realise it would be major surgery to change the con rod..
