Bolens Diablo Rouge and Hus Ski Discussion Forums

Hello folk's who share the passion of keeping the Hus Ski's going. I was thrilled to find there are others who have these machines and are sharing the knowledge.

I have a 444 that my father bought new that we rode as kids for many years. It has been in his basement since 1970 and for many years I have been wanting to get it out and bring her back to life.
I finally got motivated when I discovered there were others on the net sharing parts and experience and I am really looking forward to taking on this project and hoping I can get some advise and help from you folk's to do so.

From reading through the forums I have already figured out that Bruce and Barrie are the real go to guy's for parts and information, but I suspect with all the questions I have I will wear out my welcome real quick with these guys.

Some of my first questions are related to some missing parts and resources that may be available to hopefully keep the McGivers to minimum and the results to a maximum. My hope is to restore it back to as close to original as possible.
Once I get it figured out I will post some pics so that I can get help to understand what is missing.

My serial number is 651731, does this mean it is a 1965 model?

The engine is a JLO252R, does the R stand for counter clockwise rotation?

The engine isn't stuck, but hasn't been turned over in over 40 years and I highly doubt it was properly prepared for storage (ha..49 years probably gives a new meaning to the term "storage").
I plan to lube up the cylinder and rod bearings before I turn it over.

Are there still engine parts available such that I could rebuild it? I'm thinking crank seals, piston & rings, gaskets?



Appreciate any assistance!

Welcome aboard
You are right, Bruce and Barrie are the go to guys.
I have found that every one you come in contact with here will help keep you going.
Motor parts ( seals rings and gaskets ) are still available.
The rest you can find used.
If you are going to pull the motor apart make sure you get the correct puller, Note where the key is.
And mark the plate, it needs to be put back in the same position.
Your rings and barrings are more than likely Ok, you will need new seals and a carb overhaul.
Post some photo for us, neat to see before, during and after.

Trailrider wrote:
The engine is a JLO252R, does the R stand for counter clockwise rotation?

Yes, the R means right hand rotation as viewed from the PTO end of the engine. These same engines that came out of conventional sleds such as a Polaris where 252L models for left hand rotation as viewed from the PTO end.

You will never wear out your welcome with me as long as you are talking "HUS-SKI" but the advantage of this forum is that everyone benefits from your experience and there are many guys here who know their stuff.

A big Hus Ski / Diablo welcome to you Trailrider! This is the place to find out all you need to know regarding your Hus Ski. The resources and combined experience offered by these enthusiasts is just unbelievable. We look forward to some pictures and future posts.

Bruce

JeffC wrote:Welcome aboard

Motor parts ( seals rings and gaskets ) are still available.
If you are going to pull the motor apart make sure you get the correct puller, Note where the key is.
And mark the plate, it needs to be put back in the same position.
Your rings and barrings are more than likely Ok, you will need new seals and a carb overhaul.
Post some photo for us, neat to see before, during and after.

Thanks JeffC, it is very encouraging to know help is so available. Would you happen to know the name of source for the engine parts?

When you say note the "key", are you referring to the flywheel key?.... if so, does it have more than one groove cut in it? Also I assume the plate you are referring to is the stator plate, if so thanks I got you.

Are there timing marks on the flywheel that can be used for timing it?

Is there an "end gap" spec published for this engine. (end gap being the distance from the trailing edge of the last flywheel magnet as the points open).

Are the piston & rings used in the 252R the same part number as the 252L?

Would anyone happen to have a service manual with the engine spec's...ie, ring end gap, piston to cyl clearance, point gap, torque spec's?

Still working on figuring out the pic posting.

Eh, did I mention I have a ton of questions.

Thanks all

If you go to 10/5/11 A Rememberance Chat
by Schoobytwo (Bruce) » Wed Oct 05, 2011 7:29 pm you will understand why you must put the key back in the correct slot.

Finally figured out the up loading of pictures. In one of the pictures of the right side I think I am missing a ring, or plate for the exhaust pipe to exit through. Does anyone have an idea what I am missing?

My son is going to help me put together a small YouTube video of the engine compartment so that I can better explain what I believe is missing under the hood.

Would anyone happen to know what model this is?

cheers Neil

Hi and welcome yes you are missing that piece I have made them buy hand I just went to an exhaust shop got a piece of pipe the diameter of the hole cut 1/4 past what you need and SLOWLY used the edge of my shop bench vise and peened the edge of the pipe.Worked great get two pieces of pipe went to fast first time and it split.SLOW!!!

Sean

Here are some pictures to help show you what is missing.