Lost compression on Lt500

[ltflyby89]

Ok heres the thing, I bought a new clutch kit and complete engine gasket kit for my 89 lt500. I took the engine out of the quad replaced the clutch and the gaskets and put it back together. When the motor was out I had one of my buddies hone the cylinder for me. She started right up and sounded clean as hell. I let it warm up a little bit a took it for a ride. I putted down my driveway (about 300ft) then continued to ride down my street (about 300 more feet). When I got near the end of my road I barely hit the gas a little bit and POP!!!!! It just died and lost all compression. I tore it apart and there is a gouge in the cylinder right by the exhaust port. What the hell happened? Could it have been my exhaust valve that caused this to happen. I have no clue. Any info helps. Thanks, Jim.

[88lt500r]

Hey, if you can, I'd post up some pics. It'll be a lot easier for people to help ya out

[atomicsaladbowl]

wow this doesnt sound so good, post some pictures

[morph0906]

I hear they are famous for head gaskets too

[burgiebird]

Yes they aRE.

[wicked251]

Sounds like a piston ring let loose. Maybe the cylinder and piston werent to size with each other after the machine work, Need some pics.

[ltflyby89]

You got it Wicked! I just figured it out, when my buddy honed the cylinder he honed it to much, which in turn didnt allow the rings to seat right and the ring caught the exhaust port and thats the end of that sleeve. But thats ok cause here comes the 540 kit.