2005 MPT1200 350 Spark, fuel, fires intermitten, compression 118 both no run

[CP241]

No bearing. The cam rides directly on the aluminum head. With no/low oil, it will eat it up real fast. May be worth your time to pull the cam out and inspect both the cam ends, as well as the surface of the head for any scoring or marring before you go too much further. Better to rule that out now than later.

[RedfishM1]

I suspect that is the problem. Can that be remedied or does it normally ruin the head? The oil pressure light functions as it should but the engine has about 4K hours on it. Has anybody tried a v twin vanguard with the stressed member function of the robin block replaced by a bracket. I think the head is mucho dinero. Thanks for your help.

[RedfishM1]

Is there a source for refurbished heads for a 350?

[CP241]

Not that i've found. ebay may be your best bet, or call you local dealer. They may have a core with a cracked block or something they can pull a head for you and sell to you. I haven't even been able to find anywhere online that sells OEM ezgo parts.

[Cartmaster]

You can fit a 295cc head on pre Mci engines as they are easier to find and it will give you a bit more compression. I don't know if you can do it with mci engines though. If you can, and I am sure someone else will know, then depending on how tired your engine is you will see a slight increase in performance. It was a popular modification back in the day! You just need confirmation that it can be done with the later engine although I see no reason why it shouldn't.

[Gearhead1956]

Whats the difference between the MCI and pre MCI heads other then the exhaust manifold?

I have a pre MCI head I may sell. for the 350 cc

[Cartmaster]

Not sure about any difference apart from the manifold, but I believe the old exhaust flange is at a different angle so needs modifying or replacing with the later exhaust.

[Gearhead1956]

That's what I was thinking, not sure.

But thinking you could just cut the flange from muffler and weld it where you need it?

[Cartmaster]

I am sure that has been done by some people here upgrading to MCI but they also have to change the coil, ignitor and some other stuff. But surely just the head with exhaust mod will work. Hopefully someone has tried it and can confirm either way. Maybe start a new thread asking that question will get a quick response as it is hidden in this thread!

[Gearhead1956]

I was just looking around and only found one MCI 350 head used and they wanted $500!

I was thinking he could use a pre MCI with manifold, cut the flange of his muffler turn it and weld back, would solve his problem. If he can't find a MCI head reasonable.