1978 yamaha Dt175 stuck in first gear

[dylansword]

Hello, I am looking at getting a 1978 yamaha dt175. It sounds like an overall good bike, but it is stuck in first gear.
So, my question is, what could be causing it to be stuck in 1st? And what will it take to fix it? thanks

[kschilk]

If it's not making any strange noises, it's probably just a bent shift fork but without tearing into it, it's hard to say for sure. Either way, it'll have to be torn down to parade rest, to find and fix the problem. Shouldn't be a big deal and if it's just the fork, not terribly expensive.

[dylansword]

ok, do you think it would be easier to put a new bottom in it?

[dylansword]

dose anyone know where i can find a online repair manual, or a diagram on the engine and trans?

[kschilk]

Both cyclepartswarehouse.com and bikebandit.com have schematics you can access and print out online. If it's just a bent fork, the rest of the tranny is probably in good shape and if you can do the work yourself, it oughta' be well under $100 to fix it. If you're not experienced with trannys (I don't mean shemales...the other kind), pay the extra and get it done right.

[dylansword]

well, i found a bottom end for $40. now what do you think i should do?

[kschilk]

For that price, it might be worth swappin'...as long as it's a good bottom.

[dylansword]

ok. The guy said it is good, the to end is seized, so i thought i could put the good top end on the good bottom end. How hard is i to put the new bottom end in? Will i need any special tools? thanks

[kschilk]

Swappin' is easy enough, the only special tool you'll need is a torque wrench. If you've never done it, though...I suggest you seek experienced assistance. I'm sure you can find someone to come over and "walk you through it"...won't take long.

Not knowing exactly how and why it was seized, I have to urge caution. If it was a "hard seize" (under full power), the crank could be bent, bearings could be trashed, connecting rod could be bent, the crank seals may be blown and there's likely to be debris in the crankcase.

[dylansword]

ok. i think he said it was just from sitting for a while.

[kschilk]

Man, seriously....you're gonna' give me nightmares! That could be just as bad. I've had to fix a few bikes like that...I actually had to drive (hammer) the piston out of the cylinder. That can certainly ruin a rod & crank. If it's already apart, I'd wanna' know exactly how they got it apart. Also....if it was sitting for a long time, the seals probably won't last...they can dry out and rot or crack. The original rebuild idea, is startin' to sound alot better.