I have a Yamaha 350 Big Bear that I bought brand new. I have maintained the thing and kept it in a shop it’s whole life. The frame, plastics, seat and drivetrain are all in very good shape. But the engine has lost compression and needs a rebuild.
Who would you guys recommend for the job? I live in Hammond but will bring it wherever if y’all speak highly enough of them. Thanks in advance.

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Posted by highcotton2

Alabama

Member since Feb 2010

9403 posts

Posted on 11/19/22 at 10:24 pm to MotorBoater

You can buy the parts pretty cheap on Amazon. Not difficult at all to change out the top end. Put one on my nephews Honda. The kit was like $80. Could be something as simple as a stuck valve.

My nephew ran his without oil.

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Posted by MotorBoater

Hammond

Member since Sep 2010

1677 posts

Posted on 11/19/22 at 11:01 pm to highcotton2

Thanks Highcotton. I was just looking at the same kits on Amazon. I’m pretty good at working on stuff. Bearings, seals, bushings,on vehicles, atvs and boats. But tearing into an engine would be new to me.
But I guess for that price it’s worth a shot.
And I know it’s not a stuck valve. It will run fine once running but I know it’s just a tired engine. It has plenty of hours on it. The bike is just not in bad enough shape to scrap it and make me drop $$$ on a new one.

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Posted by TheDrunkenTigah

Baton Rouge

Member since Aug 2011

17317 posts

Posted on 11/20/22 at 12:02 am to MotorBoater

Top end is definitely a step up from cleaning a carb but absolutely doable yourself if you take your time and watch some good videos. One thing I will absolutely caution, those 20+ year old aluminum blocks are easy to snap a head bolt in. Use heat and penetrant, and go slow.

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Posted by thejudge