I own a 1997 360 and I have toasted the cylinder and piston (hair-line cracks near the power ports, scored cylinder wall).  I obviously don't want to have to spend a boat load of money on this.  I have been looking around for a used cylinder and there are none.  The second avenue is to check new,  they aren't cheap.  My question is why is the 97 version of the cylinder part more expensive than the 96.  Is the 96 version compatible with the 97?  My original motor part number is 5473005100R, the replacement part number is 54730005144, the 96 version is 54730005044.  The funny thing is that there are several versions of the 97 exc, 2 use the last motor number and the other the second.  Thanks for helping.

We have the same exact bike with the same problems scored cylinder and damaged piston.  Apperantly we have the choice to replate the cylinder for around $250 and buy a new piston $150.  I was told to talk to these guys for the replating http://mt-llc.com/

Also the most here recommend taking the bottom end apart for inspection.  Replacing rod to crank bearing is recommended though it cost like another $150 to do it right.  I'm in the process of doing that as we speak.

Hey thanks for the info.  My bike doesn't seem to have quite the issues you are having with yours.  I only am struggling with the hair-line cracks at the port openings for the power valve.  I don't really want to purchase a new cylinder but that might be the case.  I have emailed the people in your link to see if they can give me some help, so we shall see.

I have emailed them too and they don't response too well to emails.  I'd call


Ey I need some help from you.  I'm having some wiring issues with my bike and was wondering if you could give me a hand since both our bikes are the same.


Thanks

How bad is the cylinder and have you try cleaning it yet? I believe the coating material on the cylinder is called nikisil and is very strong.  Some suggest cleaning them with muriatic acid to get rid of the melted aluminum from the piston and is possible to re-use it again with a new piston.

You should try posting some pics

yep, all the aluminum is off the cylinder.  That's how I found the small cracks around the power valve ports.  The only reminants of piston are still burried in one of the walls in a scuff, but it's the cracks that I am mostly worried about.

You should probably call millennium to see if they can fix that.  Or look into a sleeve
http://www.ebay.com/...574424f&vxp=mtr

Called and sent to Millennium Tech.  I hope they can fix it.

so whatever happened?

I sent mine too a few weeks ago, haven't had a chance to call them.