Month: September 2010

Tappets. That’s what I’ve heard is a common cause for the noise. From what I’ve learned, the tappets shouldn’t make noise if there’s enough oil and oil pressure around them. Cam chain. I’ve heard this could be slapping around. Anything else? Before I took the bike off the street to restore it, in addition to… Continue reading REALLY bad engine tapping noise on a 1983 CB550SC

Finally got the cylinders free after a little coaxing and want to change the oil in the bike. Just not sure if it’s a special oil or just 10W40. Great! It’s always a joyous moment when a stuck motor is shaken free. 10w40 will be just fine, it may even be factory spec for the… Continue reading What oil to use on a 1978 CX500

I took this engine apart to replace the kick-start shaft. During reassembly I noticed the return stop for the kick-starter  was broken off. Is this a major problem or an inconvenience, and is there a recommended fix for it? (photo at the link below) http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref … =687434043 That’s a somewhat common issue on a variety… Continue reading Broken Stop for Kick-starter return

Assuming that you can’t leave it in the bike while working on it. I have two motors now. So I’m wondering what kind of rig I can use for holding an engine while I’m working on it. It’s not a problem if I work on it on it’s side. But I’m not sure if that’s… Continue reading What do you use to hold an engine when you’re working on it?

Hi everyone i have a problem with my 83 v-65 magna it is putting fuel up through the breather and running bad it won’t idle give it fuel it will only go to 1500 rpms and fuel starts coming out the breather. had it  to honda they said they set the carbs to there spec’s… Continue reading Honda V65 magna putting fuel up into breather

So I took off the oil pan and have been trying to scrape the gasket off with a razor blade. It’s not going super-well. Any other suggestions? Grind it off with a wire wheel? There are gasket remover sprays that can be found at any auto parts store. Spray it on, let it sit for… Continue reading Motorcycle Gasket cleaning tips?

I have a 1980 Yamaha XS 1100LG Midnight Special that I think needs the carbs cleaned and re-calibrated? Bike has 18,000 miles on it and ran well last year. But……I left gas in it without stabilizer (DOH) and think that is the problem. Bigger problem is ……….I’ve never done the work myself. Dealer can “burn… Continue reading 1980 Yamaha XS1000 Midnight Special Carb Cleaning?

My pistons look like this: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IM … directlink I’ve heard all sorts of different methods for cleaning them. Each one seems to come with a warning. Some chemical cleaners are ok, unless they’re used on alloys. Wire brush and a drill is effective, but be careful not to scratch the heads. Oven cleaner, carb cleaner,… Continue reading Piston Cleaning Tips

Can it be fixed? Or do I just have to buy a new one? Can I buy just the body? Or do I have to buy a whole new carb (which probably means buying a whole set of carbs which seems like a waste). I was surprised to see the tear. I hadn’t noticed anything… Continue reading Torn throttle body diaphragm. Any way to fix?