Honda MSX125 Grom 2013-2018

5 Engine overhaul – general information

1  Before beginning the engine overhaul, read through the related procedures to familiarise yourself with the
scope and requirements of the job. Overhauling an engine is not difficult, but you will need a set of gaskets,
oil seals and O-rings, and some special tools, details of which are given in the relevant procedures.  

2  Most work can be done with a decent set of workshop tools.  

3  To ensure maximum life and minimum trouble from a rebuilt engine, everything must be assembled with
care in a spotlessly clean environment.  

Disassembly
4  Before disassembling the engine, thoroughly clean and degrease its external surfaces. This will prevent
contamination of the engine internals, and will also make the job a lot easier and cleaner. A high flash-point
solvent, such as paraffin (kerosene) can be used, or better still, a proprietary engine degreaser such as Gunk.
Use old paintbrushes and toothbrushes to work the solvent into the various recesses of the casings. Take
care to exclude solvent or water from the electrical components and intake and exhaust ports.  

Warning:
The use of petrol (gasoline) as a cleaning agent should be avoided because of the risk of fire.  

5  When clean and dry, position the engine on the workbench, leaving suitable clear area for working. Gather
a selection of small containers, plastic bags and some labels so that parts can be grouped together in an
easily identifiable manner. Also record component positions with photos or by taking notes.  

6  Before commencing work, read through the appropriate section so that some idea of the necessary
procedure can be gained. When removing components note that great force is seldom required, unless
specified. In many cases, a component’s reluctance to be removed is indicative of an incorrect approach or
removal method – if in any doubt, re-check with the text.  

7  When disassembling the engine, keep ‘mated’ parts together that have been in contact with each other
during engine operation. These ‘mated’ parts must be reused or replaced as an assembly.  

8  A complete engine stripdown should be done in the following general order with reference to the
appropriate Sections.  

A. Remove the cylinder head 

B. Remove the cylinder barrel and piston 
C. Remove the clutch cover (right-hand engine cover) 
D. Remove the centrifugal oil filter (oil spinner) 
 E. Remove the oil pump 
F. Remove the clutch 
G. Remove the primary drive gear and oil pump drive gear 
H. Remove the gearchange mechanism 
I. Remove the starter motor 
J. Remove the alternator rotor 
K. Remove the cam chain 
L. Separate the crankcase halves 
M. Remove the selector drum and forks 
N. Remove the transmission shafts 
O. Remove the crankshaft 

Reassembly
9  Reassembly is accomplished by reversing the general disassembly sequence.  

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