FJowners.com

As my intro stated I recently picked up a dark bluish(purple or whatever color you want to call it:) 1989 FJ1200 from a couple of towns away.  I paid just over 1,000 for it and am pretty happy thus far with my purchase.  It has it's issues that I will have to sort as things go along as most mechanical things do. 

Not a great picture of the bike, but it's a picture of me lookin at the bike just after I got it off the trailer.  As you can see from this picture it's missing some fairings...here is the better picture of it that day that my son took:

This shows how the fairings are cut...both sides are at least the same amount of mangled :)

When I got it the throttle was sticking because of very bad adjustments, and it has a tendency to not idle the same all the time, which is probably due to more adjustment needed in the throttle cable that I haven't gotten too.  It almost feels like it's binding up somewhere...could need new cables to fix it, but I've been putting that off until I get a tank of gas run through the carbs.

The front forks are also leaking all over the brakes, so the front brakes aren't very good which makes this bike even more scary when coupled with the good motor and pogoing front end.  I have the fork seals and am waiting for the time to get them done along with the front pads changed out.  Hopefully this weekend if everything goes to plan.

The previous owner was a good guy, but not very mechanical.  He bought the bike from a mechanic which always makes me worry a little bit.  After I got it home I found that the rear cotter pin was left out of the rear axle and the nut was just a little more than hand tight(and I test rode the bike like that).  The chain that was on it was trashed from lack of cleaning and over oiling(he poured gear oil over the chain and caught it in a tray to put back in the bottle from the looks of it).

The turn signals don't blink either.  I checked the bulbs and found 2 of them were suspect so I changed them out, but they still won't blink...if it comes down to it I guess I will install a car style flasher into the wiring to get them to flash because of how expensive the stock units are.

I've ridden the bike about 40 miles on short trips to get used to it and not put too many on before I get the front end squared away.  I already had my first issue while riding it...for some reason the fuel pump that was on it decided to crack along the side and spray gas out onto the engine.  Luckily when it started doing it I was almost to work.  To get it home I was planning on running it without the pump, but it wouldn't go because I'm assuming the tank wasn't high enough(I only filled it halfway and my bypass job wasn't the greatest routing for gravity feeding).  So I did what any redneck would do....I got out the tape and put enough tape on the broken housing to keep the fuel in even with the pump running and got it the 7 miles home without issue.  It was even dry when I got it home...was pretty amazed by the power of the tape.

That is going to be my first modification to the FJ...I've ordered a Airtex pump from my local parts guy to put in place of the one that is in there(I don't believe it is stock judging by the twisted and taped wires that were on it).  Hoping to fit this into the weekend so that I can test out my freshened up front end.

I've also noticed that I may have had or do have a charging issue because there is evidence of battery acid eating some wiring on the side of the battery, like there was an overcharging/boiling issue.  I have checked voltage and revving it up the voltage gets to about 14.9 volts.  I may be ordering one of RPM's kits just so that I don't have to worry about it and installing a volt meter just to keep an eye on it.

Other than that I plan on getting some better/matched tires on it to evaluate what suspension or tire upgrades that I may want to do in the future.  Really appreciate the info I've gotten from this site so far.

Got the fork oil changed out, the seals replaced and spent the better part of a day getting all the oil and grime off the brakes so that I could install new pads to finally have decent brakes up front.  I would love to take it for a spin to see how the front end is working now, but with my taped up fuel pump I don't want to chance fuel spraying all over the place if it gets past the tape. 

I have the new fuel pump on it's way and will change out the fuel lines while I'm at it just to make sure I don't have any issues with fuel going where I don't want it to go.

Nice project :). Lots of information on this site and help when needed. Hard to have a problem that someone else hasn't had or been around with this bike. Because of the resources (information and parts) it is one of the better used bikes to own. At least I think so. I had some of the same issues with my bike. For me I found it helpful to put things back into stock condition and adjust to factory spec's for the most part. At least it makes a good starting point. Yamaha did a pretty good job designing the bike as evidenced by it's longevity. The nice thing about this bike is that it was produced all over the world for around 10 years and it's problem areas have identified and "fix's" well published. Enjoy your project and keep posting your progress.  :good2:

more work got done today on the FJ...got my fuel pump installed...did the airtex one that others on the forum recommended as a replacement.  Why would I have to replace my pump here is why: :)
Notice the nice crack that formed on the way to work...how did I get it home do you ask...load it into the truck...nope...here is how:

Yup electrical tape works wonders.  It actually didn't lose a drop of gas on the way home(about 7 miles on the interstate).  I was pretty surprised when I got it home.

So as I was saying I replaced it with a ER18S pump as recommended by the forum...I took off the filter that came with the pump off as I already had the one installed under the tank.  I also installed a 90 degree street elbow to the output side to get it going the right way.  It was about time that the fuel lines were replaced so I did that as they needed to be longer anyway.  Here is the installed picture:

I still have some stuff to clean up on the bike, but at least it is safe to run again :)

I also took some other pictures of the bike while I was at it showing the overall condition of the bike.


Here you can see the hacked up fairing...it's the same way on either side at least, but definitely leaves a lot to be desired aesthetically.


Front view of the bike showing more of the missing fairing.  I just got done replacing the fork seals and found both forks were almost dry and what was left was very dirty.  I flushed it out a bit and got it all put back together along with new brake pads in the front. 


Left and right sides.


from the back.  I need to do some work on the rear turn signal stalks and maybe trim up the fender a little to make it a bit more aesthetically pleasing, but not sure on that yet.

Looks like it is coming along.  On the rear turn signals, have you thought about replacing with the RPM LED with the built in turn signals?  I plan to install them in a few weeks when I get home from work.  I will remove my old rear turn signals if you want them they are yours.   Just pay for the shipping.

A 1/4" pipe union works real well to eliminate the stalks..... there should be a write-up on the procedure around here.

Quote from: I make oil on August 17, 2012, 07:54:37 PM
Looks like it is coming along.  On the rear turn signals, have you thought about replacing with the RPM LED with the built in turn signals?  I plan to install them in a few weeks when I get home from work.  I will remove my old rear turn signals if you want them they are yours.   Just pay for the shipping.

Those units will not pass annual inspections in some states (like Massachusetts) and other Northeast places. Not to be a buzz kill but........

I live in Louisiana.  Won't be a problem.

I appreciate the offer on the turn signals.  I've been looking around for something else to use and still remain legal....they like to find reasons to pull folks over around here in NY so I want to keep them separate.  I will probably start by shortening them up to make them appear a bit more modern.  I'm also looking for some mirrors that do a better job at letting me see behind me.  I like the cbr mods I've seen here, but as I'm a bit broad in the shoulders and wear a loose jacket while riding I may need something that is a bit wider.  I'm actually thinking of modifying the original mirrors by adding in an extension to the stalks.  I've noticed that there isn't a lot of adjustment to them the way that they mount up so I may do something with that as well.

I guess I'm a little old fashioned when it comes to LED stuff...for some reason the look of them turns me off on them.  I think it has to do with the way they are instant on where a bulb heats up a split second as it comes on and cools down as it goes off.  No argument from me about how much more reliable and brighter they are, but they just don't fit in with my old fashioned thinking I guess :)

Quote from: squidley63 on August 18, 2012, 07:17:52 AM
I'm also looking for some mirrors that do a better job at letting me see behind me.  I like the cbr mods I've seen here, but as I'm a bit broad in the shoulders and wear a loose jacket while riding I may need something that is a bit wider.  I'm actually thinking of modifying the original mirrors by adding in an extension to the stalks.  I've noticed that there isn't a lot of adjustment to them the way that they mount up so I may do something with that as well.

I use these small stick-on wide angle mirrors on my FJ mirrors.
Works great, I can finally see whats going on behind me!

(http://www.muthco.com/images/kits/wasm-blindspot-new.jpg)

Took the FJ for a ride today to see how my fork seals and front brakes would affect the ride.  Really happy at the moment with how much of an improvement that was.  Having damping in the front end again and the ability to stop is a good thing. 

I am still having an issue with getting the idle set very well when warm.  It likes to stall out on me as I roll to a stop unless I give it a bit of gas to keep it running, which is kind of annoying.  It has a flat spot off of idle that is a bit annoying taking off after it idles a bit.  Will probably start working on this next.

Check for vacuum leaks at the carb insulators (boots).

I was actually thinking about that the other day, but somehow never really checked.  The previous owner had taken the carbs off and changed the boots, but when I had it apart I noticed that the clamp screws were all chewed up and even different heads on them.  I bet he chewed the heads up trying to get rid of vacuum leaks and I still have some.  Will have to try and get one off to see if I can source a replacement screw for all of them.

Thank you for the memory jog....sometimes when I get all excited about riding something I forget some of the stuff that I need to pay attention to.

Well I've tightened up the carbs and it has made a bit of a difference with the off idle hesitation, but I still need to pick up another vacuum gauge to do a synch on it to make sure that isn't contributing to the stumbling.  Hopefully will be able to do this in the next few days.

I had an issue with a softening clutch lever that had the bike creeping a little bit at stoplights.  I of course found another stripped out screw to deal with, ended up using a left handed drill bit to back the screw out of the cover for the clutch master and the fluid was a little low causing air in the system.  I went ahead and flushed out the system with some new fluid and got the air out of the system.  I'm not sure where the fluid could have gotten to as there was no leak on the slave lines or master that I could detect.  I guess I'm going to monitor it for a bit to make sure the level stays up now that it has good fluid in it.

I have put about 150 miles on the FJ during this time and am really enjoying the way the motor pulls(even with the stumble) and the general handling of the bike.  It's not racetrack sharp, but I actually prefer a heavier steering bike as it makes me feel like I'm doing some good while riding in the twisty bits.  I find the handling of the newer bikes to be too twitchy for my liking(even though I do enjoy saddle time on my friends zx10r :) 

Over the winter I'm going to get some new tires on it and go through the carbs to make sure of what I'm dealing with as far as jets and settings if a carb synch doesn't solve my stumbling.  I'm also planning on a valve clearance check and replace the gaskets on the cover and bolts along with plug change to make sure it's ready to go in the spring. 

While ensuring the synch is correct and there are no vacuum leaks are both great ideas, doublecheck the fuel height/float level.  Between the lot, you'll probably fix it.

Quote from: squidley63 on September 21, 2012, 02:04:42 PM
I had an issue with a softening clutch lever that had the bike creeping a little bit at stoplights.  I of course found another stripped out screw to deal with, ended up using a left handed drill bit to back the screw out of the cover for the clutch master and the fluid was a little low causing air in the system.  I went ahead and flushed out the system with some new fluid and got the air out of the system.  I'm not sure where the fluid could have gotten to as there was no leak on the slave lines or master that I could detect.  I guess I'm going to monitor it for a bit to make sure the level stays up now that it has good fluid in it.

You most likely have a leaking slave cylinder seal, it's very common....  Look at the paint on the cover under the slave cyl for bubbling paint. Probably worth it to just order the kit (or a complete slave) from RPM Randy, the brake fluid will ruin the chin fairing if it gets onto it...

I pulled the slave off when I was bleeding the clutch and there wasn't any leakage that I could find around the seals.  To bleed the clutch faster I pull the slave off and use a clamp set of vice grips to keep it from moving out while pumping to get more pressure in the line to help bleed the air out faster.  I plan on keeping an eye on the level and the seal area to try and see where the fluid went to.  I'm almost wondering if it is clutch wear that caused the level to go down just enough...not sure if that is possible or not.

thanks for the heads up though I really appreciate the help I've gotten on this site so far between the files and the people giving their advice.

Excessively worn clutch plates will actually cause the fluid level in the master cylinder to INCREASE.

The worn plates will allow the clutch spring to compress farther, pushing the slave piston further into the cylinder and raising the level in the m/c.

DavidR

I will keep an eye on the level and check the seal area around the slave cylinder if it goes down.

Quote from: squidley63 on August 18, 2012, 07:17:52 AM
I appreciate the offer on the turn signals.  I've been looking around for something else to use and still remain legal....they like to find reasons to pull folks over around here in NY so I want to keep them separate.  I will probably start by shortening them up to make them appear a bit more modern.  I'm also looking for some mirrors that do a better job at letting me see behind me.  I like the cbr mods I've seen here, but as I'm a bit broad in the shoulders and wear a loose jacket while riding I may need something that is a bit wider.  I'm actually thinking of modifying the original mirrors by adding in an extension to the stalks.  I've noticed that there isn't a lot of adjustment to them the way that they mount up so I may do something with that as well.

I guess I'm a little old fashioned when it comes to LED stuff...for some reason the look of them turns me off on them.  I think it has to do with the way they are instant on where a bulb heats up a split second as it comes on and cools down as it goes off.  No argument from me about how much more reliable and brighter they are, but they just don't fit in with my old fashioned thinking I guess :)

My 2 cents worth on the Mirrors. From what I can see in the photos. The mirrors are not stock. They are common on Ebay and sold for use on TZ250's and FJ1200's. Stock 89/90 mirrors extend further out. The posts are thick and kind of flat. No upward bend near the mirror attach point.

Fred

I wouldn't of thought of the mirrors that I have not being stock...I guess it's a distinct possibility considering the state of the plastics.  I have been eyeing the ebay cbr mirrors that others have noted here.  Just for the heck of it does anyone have the stock dimensions on FJ1200 mirrors from mounting point to mirror pivot horizontally? 

I have finally found myself in a no start situation with the fj.  I had it sitting for about 2 weeks while waiting for time to work on the clutch issues and the battery was a little flat so starting it was a bit rough(barely cranking over the motor).  It died and wouldn't restart one night and after charging the battery it will only chug a little with the choke full on with no throttle any throttle it just cranks.

I pulled the plugs and a couple were a little wet, but I had another set off my old bike and changed them out and it still wouldn't start.  I have spark on all four cylinders(checked with spare plug).  Pulled plugs and they were fairly dry, so I checked the fuel filter...looked a bit suspect so changed it out with universal glass one I had left over from another project.  it filled with fuel as soon as I opened the petcock.  Still no start, so I opened the bottom drains on the carbs to check for fuel...all of them had a good amount of fuel come out. 

I'm guessing a carb cleaning is in my near future....oh well some more get to know it time with the fj :)

Since I don't use my bike daily so I put fuel stabilizer in at every fill up. I use Seafoam and others use a variety of other successful products to combat the crappy gas we have to use. If I go more than a few weeks of not riding, I fire it up and run it long enough to get fuel flowing through the carbs and the oil hot. This keeps the jets clear for me.   

I've been planning on a carb overhaul over the winter since I purchased the bike just to make sure that it has the correct jets and everything is put together correctly in them.  The previous owner wasn't a mechanic, but played one on the FJ which of course causes more problems than were fixed.

I found the plugs were all in hand tight, the rear wheel didn't have a cotter pin in it and was loose, the bolts on the subframe were loose, several wires were just taped together, etc. 

Scary to find all that. Give it a full safety check during your carb overhaul. Get the SST kit from Randy and replace all buggered up fasteners with some quality stuff. I already have my kit ready for the next carb tear down when I put UNIs on and re-jet.

I've been huffing carb cleaner the last couple of days while staring at my disassembled fj carbs....amazing how dirty these things can get.  I'm about halfway through the cleaning process working a couple of hours after work and everything seems to be going pretty well.  I've answered most of my questions about what parts I have in the carb and how to set it up to get it to idle enough to tune on it. 

While letting my brain come down off of the carb cleaner high I've been going bolt by bolt over the bike to see what has been messed with by the previous owner.  So far I've done the complete front end, all the engine mount bolts, the swingarm bolts, and various other bolts.  I'm actually amazed at the number of bolts that did turn with only moderate pressure.  Now at least I have some confidence that parts aren't going to fall off the bike once I get the carbs done.

I haven't been doing a good job of taking pictures as I go, I blame the carb cleaner high :)  I'm hoping to finish up the carb cleaning and get them back on for the idle adjustment and carb synch done over the weekend, maybe even a test ride if everything goes well :) I really appreciate all the info that I've found on this forum about my bike...takes the guess work out about owning one of these things :)

I finished the carb cleaning and put them back together and on the bike yesterday.  I found 3 of 4 carbs had no fuel supply for the choke due to gunk in the bottom of the bowls blocking the inlet along with several other air passages that were at least 3/4 full of grime.  I used a small ultrasonic cleaner for the jets and bowls(had to change the liquid 3 times per carb set because of all the stuff that came out of the already sprayed off scrubbed parts(mostly from the tube cast into the bowls).  I picked up the cleaner at a salvation army store for 2 bucks and it holds about a quart of fluid. 

Over the winter I'll pull the carbs and take them to work to zinc and chromate the tops and impreg the bodies after a thorough chemical dip(sometimes it pays to work at a plating shop :).  For now they are back on the bike and it fired up after just 3 hits of the starter button(took a bit to get the fuel levels up in the bowls).  It's amazing what a functioning choke can do :)

I still need to adjust the idle mixture and synch the carbs, but thanks to ny weather it's about 20 degrees cooler than yesterday and raining :(  I hope to at least get the major tuning done on the carbs done before winter so that I have a good baseline for next spring.

Nice work mate, amazing what a clean choke port will do, ,idle so much better on choke and the  backfire vanishes, , that ultrasonic was a bargain,   :good2:

Excellent work squidly.  Your bike has found a good owner. 

I thought I would do an update on where my fj is at the moment.  After getting the carbs cleaned up and back on I tinkered with the synchronizing and adjusting the carbs a bit, but found a couple of seeping areas on my fuel transfer tubes.  Instead of messing around with just putting in a couple of seals I ordered Randy's o ring and bolt kit to refresh all the seals and get rid of the annoying pot metal screws.

I have the kit installed and re synched the carbs...it runs much better, but I've been having an on again off again fuel overflow out of one of the carbs.  While I was installing the o ring kit I made sure to double and triple check the float levels.  I'm guessing that I'm going to need some new float needles.  Will probably be going with all new just to keep from messing around with more leaks. 

I will say that the test riding between fuel over flows has been much more eye opening.  I was impressed with the grunt and power before, but since cleaning the gunk out of the carbs it is much better.  I am still having an issue with floating revs after letting the throttle close and there is still a soft spot off idle.  At full throttle it does pull nice and strong so I think the jetting is fairly close.  I'm holding off messing with the needle height until I get the carbs to keep the gas in them instead of randomly puking some out.

While I'm waiting for more carb parts I think I'm going to do some wiring on the FJ to sort out some of the hacking that has been done to the original wiring.  It looks like at one time it had an alarm on it as several wires have been tapped into with wires leading to no where.

You should do the clutch mod and add another spring. I didn't realize how much slippage I had. 

It looks like I'm going to do some wiring surgery on the fj in the near future....I have some corroded connections here and there that have started to add to the issues.  I have the carbs situated and wouldn't you know the last nice warm days are here and I'm stuck not being able to ride until I get this stuff sorted.  I am planning on replacing the wires to and from the corroded connectors as an added precaution.  I hope to sort out all my issues before putting the fj to bed for the winter so my spring will see me putting on tons of miles on the fj.

Went through all the major electrical connectors...I found 3 bad ones and replaced with individual spade style connections....main power at the ignition switch, ground lead off the negative batt cable, and one other 2 wire connector near the negative battery cable.  With those changed I found I still had low power at the switch....stripped back the right side harness and found the main power connection there almost corroded in 2.  I replaced this splice connector and soldered it along with all the others that I came across for good measure.

Bike fires up and idles good, but still has an off idle dead spot...takes a minute after flicking open the throttle for it to do anything...then it hangs on the way back down to idle...not sure what is up with that at the moment.  The throttle cable is nice and free and all the slides move freely with the breath test(pop up easily and come down immediately).  I am going to invest in a better carb synchronizing tool as now I just have 2 gauges and do the carbs in pairs...not sure of what style I'm going to go with.

I was going to see how it runs down the road, but unfortunately with Sandy and the drop in the jetstream it's going to do nothing but rain here for the next week or so ;(

Friday morning I went down to a semi local bike shop to meet a member here that offered me a fairing for the FJ that he bought but didn't use...I'm struggling with myself to keep from putting it on the bike as is...I need to reinforce a few areas and build back in some tabs, but I'm definitely not complaining about the price or the shape of the fairing.  It will make a good side project for me for the winter that will not cost me anything, but will make all the difference come spring when I fit it to the bike.

(http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/29/Vader_pics.jpg)


Nat (;))

It seems like I'm starting to go in circles with the FJ again.  I went outside today to catch a whiff of gas which of course led me straight to the bike and a small drip on the driveway.  Seems like the 2 left carbs are not stopping the fuel even after another cleaning and changing the float needles didn't last very long....gotta love garbage in the fuel getting by a new filter even after rinsing the tank and changing the fuel lines.

Beginning to wonder if I should just drain the carbs and put it away for the winter and do some more stuff come spring time.  I also found yet another connector that wasn't in good shape.  I'll probably see how the weather is going to be this week to get things sorted.  I will try to get some more pictures as I pull things apart and clean them one more time.

 If there is fuel on the ground you know there is some in the crankcase....unfortunately.

Have you identified what is getting into and holding the float valves open? A few years ago when we went to all of our gas containing alcohol I had a problem of little white balls of "crap" holding the float valves open, and of course gas going all over. It turned out to be the glue in the (Emgo) plastic fuel filter. Somehow it turned it into little white balls. A brass fuel filter and a whole lot of carb cleaning, off the bike three times, cured the problem. Since then I run Startron in every tank. I run Sta-Bil in my other bikes. Of course if it's rust...
Anson

It was originally bits of deteriorated fuel lines.  The filter seemed to be about 1/2 clogged and the bowls had a bunch of that gunk in them as well.  I cleaned all that out only to find that the float needles weren't sealing completely.  I have changed the lines and filter along with needle valves, but I must be having a sticking float issue now as I pulled the bowls off and there were no debris in them.  I have a slightly bent pin on one of the floats, so I will be looking for something to replace that with to see if that is causing the float to bind.

The tank has a little rust in it, but so far my fuel filter is clean.  I have a few dents to try and get out of the tank and then I plan on coating it for good measure.  I am planning an oil change once I get the carbs not leaking gas to remedy any gas in the oil.  I still need a better setup on my vacuum gauges for synching...I think I have one of the valves that help limit movement having issues because the vacuum number on that gauge is varying a little then a lot regardless of what I do with the valve.

Finally got the fj out of winter storage to see if I could get it fired up. Over the winter I picked up a set of gauges for easier carb syncs( before I used 2 gauges). I drained out the oil and changed the filter. Pulled the tank and checked the carbs and found a bent float pin I didn't notice before. I put the carbs back on with an auxiliary tank. And got it to fire.

Unfortunately its not running too smooth. It doesn't really want to run without the choke so I guess I'm back into the carbs to see what's up with the idle circuits. The good news is that so far it likes to keep the fuel inside the carbs. I'm hoping that with one more go at the carbs I can get it running ready for the season. I still need to install the new to me fairing and change out the dry rotted tires but all good Things come to those who wait I guess.

Sounds like she's still a little gunked up, but should be easy enough to sort out,,if you don't have or can't find a float pin I have spares, ,or I'm pretty sure a member here used the shaft from a steel rivet, 

I found a stainless welding rod almost the same size and grooved it a little to make it fit snug on one side so it will stay in place.

Keep up the good work. I know this is a project for you. Glad to see you are making headway. Take your time with those carbs, they are simple with a lot of little details....... And its the little shit that gets you  :ireful: :good2:
George

I probably would have gotten it right the first time if I wouldn't have been in a hurry to get back on it. The winter break didn't do me any favors as I didn't Get all the gas out of the carbs(only about half). This first assembly was just to make sure the gas would stay on the inside of the carbs where it belongs. Hopefully today should get the Rest sorted.

Yet again I got myself caught up in the wrong mental attitude to be working on my bike. I was trying to hurry up and get my carbs cleaned out before the weather hit in a couple of hours.  Some things are OK rushed carb work is not one of them. Randy got an order for some more carb parts because of it. Doing my part for the economy I guess because I rushed the carb cleaning and stripped out two jets. Glad randy has good prices:)

Quote from: squidley63 on April 17, 2013, 08:22:51 AM
Yet again I got myself caught up in the wrong mental attitude to be working on my bike. I was trying to hurry up and get my carbs cleaned out before the weather hit in a couple of hours.  Some things are OK rushed carb work is not one of them. Randy got an order for some more carb parts because of it. Doing my part for the economy I guess because I rushed the carb cleaning and stripped out two jets. Glad randy has good prices:)

Happens to all of us.  Maybe this will make you feel better, maybe not.   This past weekend I was helping a buddy go through his carbs.  I was using compressed air to blow out a mixing tube I had just soaked and blown out with carb cleaner.  I lost my grip on the thing just as I was blowing air though it at high velocity.  It went flying across the garage to who knows where...  Damn. 

I was at real risk of having to loan one of my bikes to my buddy while we order another mixing tube...  Fortunately I have kids!  Also fortunately, they are easily bribed!   I showed them the part we were looking for -from another carb, roughly where to be looking, and told them that whomever finds it, gets $5.  20 minutes, (and a beer) later, my daughter had proudly found it, to my son's chagrin.  My buddy paid my son a 5 spot too for his efforts.... We proceeded to have a philosophical discussion about the 'everyone gets a trophy' syndrome so prevalent today and it's implications on today's kids -but that's another story...

Oh, his bike ran like a top after we were done with it, if you have any interest in knowing....

Dan

Dan, can I borrow your kids?
I have a list of things I need to find in my garage, and unfortunately it's getting longer.
Do they eat a lot?

You shouldn't need to borrow Dan's kids, any kids will do :-)
I've used this offer to bribe the neighborhood kids to find my lost dog before.
Worked a treat.  They told me he was locked in someone's yard a few blocks away.
And he was.

Arnie

Quote from: Pat Conlon on April 17, 2013, 04:58:02 PM
Dan, can I borrow your kids?
I have a list of things I need to find in my garage, and unfortunately it's getting longer.
Do they eat a lot?

Ha!  I for one, like the idea of them working, they need to start contributing, hell, they're 11 already...  My wife on the other hand, has different ideas...

The eat so much the food budget alone stands to bankrupt the budget...  That, plus the airline tickets makes the whole venture completely impractical...  Sounds like a liberal-hatched plan!   

:)

Dan 

Quote from: Arnie on April 17, 2013, 10:26:12 PM
I've used this offer to bribe the neighborhood kids to find my lost dog before.
Worked a treat.  They told me he was locked in someone's yard a few blocks away.
And he was.

Arnie

You know, it's possible these may be industrious kids fleecing you, Arnie.  If they took your dog, and put it  there, and then simply meandered in front of your place waiting for you to notice the missing dog and ask them for help with a reward...  :)

Dan

Quote from: Dan Filetti on April 18, 2013, 12:44:46 AM

Quote from: Arnie on April 17, 2013, 10:26:12 PM
I've used this offer to bribe the neighborhood kids to find my lost dog before.
Worked a treat.  They told me he was locked in someone's yard a few blocks away.
And he was.

Arnie

You know, it's possible these may be industrious kids fleecing you, Arnie.  If they took your dog, and put it  there, and then simply meandered in front of your place waiting for you to notice the missing dog and ask them for help with a reward...  :)

Dan

Nah, the dog had been gone for a day before I talked to the neighborhood kids, and it was about a week before they spotted him and told me. 
He was a nice looking dog, friendly, and obedient, wearing a tag with my phone and address on it.  This guy must have decided he would now have a new dog.  When I went to get him back he was still wearing the collar with the tag.  I'm not a fan of bike or dog theives.
Kids, they can be very useful. :-)

Arnie

    He may have been waiting for you to post a reward for finding the dog. It's been known to happen.

If he'd called or brought the dog back I'd have been happy to give him a reward.
If he'd left the dog un-caged, he would have returned home on his own.
In fact, if he'd taken the dog to the pound or called the dog catcher, I'd have been happy to reward him.

Arnie

PS: Sorry to have started this thread.  It does not belong on this forum.
Belker, the dog, did not ride a bike, and has long ago left this earth.

Quote from: oldktmdude on April 18, 2013, 06:34:29 AM


    He may have been waiting for you to post a reward for finding the dog. It's been known to happen.

Quote from: Arnie on April 18, 2013, 11:17:13 AM

PS: Sorry to have started this thread.  It does not belong on this forum.
Belker, the dog, did not ride a bike, and has long ago left this earth.

You killed him?   You bastard.....

Quote from: Pat Conlon on April 18, 2013, 11:22:44 AM

Quote from: Arnie on April 18, 2013, 11:17:13 AM

PS: Sorry to have started this thread.  It does not belong on this forum.
Belker, the dog, did not ride a bike, and has long ago left this earth.

You killed him?   You bastard.....

I don't know how you were able to twist my words to come to that conclusion.
No, I did not kill the dog.  He lived out the rest of his life and died of "natural causes" at about 13yrs old.  At that time, I was young enough and angry enough at the guy who stole my dog that I would have done him serious harm had he tried to prevent me from leaving his property with my dog.
Can we end this story now?

Arnie

Quote from: Arnie on April 18, 2013, 11:33:10 AM

Quote from: Pat Conlon on April 18, 2013, 11:22:44 AM

Quote from: Arnie on April 18, 2013, 11:17:13 AM

PS: Sorry to have started this thread.  It does not belong on this forum.
Belker, the dog, did not ride a bike, and has long ago left this earth.

You killed him?   You bastard.....

I don't know how you were able to twist my words to come to that conclusion.
No, I did not kill the dog.  He lived out the rest of his life and died of "natural causes" at about 13yrs old.  At that time, I was young enough and angry enough at the guy who stole my dog that I would have done him serious harm had he tried to prevent me from leaving his property with my dog.
Can we end this story now?
Arnie

(I see beads of sweat and untruths)...So Belter the dog is now deceased. If he was obedient how come he went for a wander?  But more importantly, did you reward all the neighbourhood kids or just the ones that found Belter?...Of those that found Belter did you pay the actual spotter... and then an equal amount to those that tried but were unsuccessful?

Quote from: Arnie on April 18, 2013, 11:33:10 AM
I don't know how you were able to twist my words to come to that conclusion.
No, I did not kill the dog.  He lived out the rest of his life and died of "natural causes" at about 13yrs old.  At that time, I was young enough and angry enough at the guy who stole my dog that I would have done him serious harm had he tried to prevent me from leaving his property with my dog.
Can we end this story now?

Arnie

Arnie, Pat was joking about that.... It is really hard to see ones facial expression (in text) while delivering a line meant to be funny. Its all good....

Me thinks the term is 'yanking your chain'....   :gamer:

 (popcorn)

Quote from: Pat Conlon on April 18, 2013, 06:51:08 PM
Me thinks the term is 'yanking your chain'....   :gamer:

Yes, I realized that but it required a reply.  Had you put an emoticon in there it would have helped.
I frequently am amazed at the mis-readings of posts (not only my own) attract. 
Doug has difficulty :-) distinguishing between a K and a T in lower case.  Maybe he needs some new glasses for when he uses a computer.  As we age, close focus becomes more difficult. :-(
And, to try again to end this off-topic topic.... I rewarded the group of 3 kids who came to tell me where the dog was confined.  I don't consider exploration as lack of obedience.  Belker had been neutered. knew his way home, and how to cross streets.

Arnie

"Gawd", and you neutered him to !  :lol: :lol: :lol:
George

Quote from: Arnie on April 18, 2013, 09:00:19 PM

Quote from: Pat Conlon on April 18, 2013, 06:51:08 PM
Me thinks the term is 'yanking your chain'....   :gamer:

Yes, I realized that but it required a reply.  Had you put an emoticon in there it would have helped.
I frequently am amazed at the mis-readings of posts (not only my own) attract. 
Doug has difficulty :-) distinguishing between a K and a T in lower case.  Maybe he needs some new glasses for when he uses a computer.  As we age, close focus becomes more difficult. :-(
And, to try again to end this off-topic topic.... I rewarded the group of 3 kids who came to tell me where the dog was confined.  I don't consider exploration as lack of obedience.  Belker had been neutered. knew his way home, and how to cross streets.

Arnie

Aha!...There it is...Evidence of a weapon!
Smoke and mirrors doesn`t work on an Aussie Sherlock Holmes! Circumstantial precedence shows beyond the shadow of doubt, that for Arnie to give a monetary award split into three, a hacksaw would be required!

In the well documented Australian court case of Linde chamberlain Vs another Canine plaintiff, It was the name of the Victim that was accepted as circumstantial evidence of criminality. I purposely changed the name from belted, sorry, Belker because of the very meaning of the name as substantiated here: http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&ved=0CF0QFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dandwiki.com%2Fwiki%2FSRD%3ABelker&ei=IK1wUcDcOO-SiQe_4YCAAw&usg=AFQjCNFxFhQ3VtG2iA6LXMpFjmg019rmTQ (http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&ved=0CF0QFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dandwiki.com%2Fwiki%2FSRD%3ABelker&ei=IK1wUcDcOO-SiQe_4YCAAw&usg=AFQjCNFxFhQ3VtG2iA6LXMpFjmg019rmTQ)
Quote: "Belkers are creatures from the Plane of Air. They are composed primarily of smoke. Although undeniably evil, they are very reclusive and usually have no interest in the affairs of others. A belker's winged shape makes it look distinctly demonic."

Yes Belker might have been evil and the added expense may have been your final straw, but no creature is deserved of the hacksaw! and and And, their passing should be treated with respect! (- unless you`re a pommie!)
Yes I know I should add more emoticoms, but I know Klavdy hates'm... and when ya stuck in the jungle up to ya ceramic lip in shit, this is tha only entertainment he has! 

Quote from: Arnie on April 18, 2013, 09:00:19 PM
Belker had been neutered. knew his way home, and how to cross streets.
Arnie

very hard to cross the road with your nuts in a paper bag  :empathy3:

Got the parts from randy yesterday and cleaned up the carbs this morning. Reinstalled and much better idle and revs pretty good. Now to work through getting the carbs synched I have turned the adjustments so many times I've got things pretty screwed up and am reading low vacuum across the board. Going to reinstall the pod filters and see how things go in just a few.

Quote from: squidley63 on April 20, 2013, 12:57:22 PM
Got the parts from randy yesterday and cleaned up the carbs this morning. Reinstalled and much better idle and revs pretty good. Now to work through getting the carbs synched I have turned the adjustments so many times I've got things pretty screwed up and am reading low vacuum across the board. Going to reinstall the pod filters and see how things go in just a few.

You better make sure those carb boots/insulators etc are in good shape. Vacuum leaks will kill you.

Yanking chains Pat I'm surprised  :rofl2: :rofl2:

Doug belt up!!! #hit stirrer

Arnie good for you :yahoo: the passing of an old friend is always upsetting and having it thrown at you is unpleasant as well, laugh it off all's good  :good2:
Baldy

Finished valve check on bike. Have 2 tight intake valves(.004 and .005). Will be placing another randy order for shims I guess. I'm still not liking the way it hangs rpm on the way down and the odd idle it seems to have. Carbs have been commercially Sonic cleaned so I am sure that everything is good as far as that goes.  I have a hole in the collector on my exhaust that doesn't help with the sounds.

The slow drop to idle indicates rich condition. It also may account for the odd idle but the idle mix screws are at 1 1/2 turns right now. I'm guessing the next logical thing would be to try dropping the needles to see if that would help. I dunno.

Needles won't do what you need to do...http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6255.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6255.0)

[quote author=squidley63 link=topic=7216.msg85662#msg85662 date=1367421415

The slow drop to idle indicates rich condition. It also may account for the odd idle but the idle mix screws are at 1 1/2 turns right now.
[/quote]


not necessarily..... rich would be dropping and almost stallng then recovering.... hanging then slowly dropping is lean

i think you should open the idle mix screws and give the throttle blip test another try.

KOokaloo!

Quote from: squidley63 on May 01, 2013, 10:16:55 AM
Finished valve check on bike. Have 2 tight intake valves(.004 and .005). Will be placing another randy order for shims I guess. I'm still not liking the way it hangs rpm on the way down and the odd idle it seems to have. Carbs have been commercially Sonic cleaned so I am sure that everything is good as far as that goes.  I have a hole in the collector on my exhaust that doesn't help with the sounds.

The slow drop to idle indicates rich condition. It also may account for the odd idle but the idle mix screws are at 1 1/2 turns right now. I'm guessing the next logical thing would be to try dropping the needles to see if that would help. I dunno.

I don't know if I would worry about .004 / .005 being to tight on the intakes. The next shim smaller would be .002 thinner ? Then you would be at .006/.007 on an intake. Can't win... I have the same situation, I run my valves to the loose end of spec's (but within factory limits). If I go one size larger then I am at the tight end......

At any rate if your engine is well broke in and most are...., IMO I wouldn't be concerned with .004/.005. on an intake. Randy will have to way in on that subject, it's just my opinion. What's .001 between friends  :sarcastic:.

The needles will have nil to very little / no effect on the idle. Dropping the needles will effect mid throttle performance. I would back those fuel/air screws out to 2 1/2 turns and see what happens. When you say "odd" idle I am not sure if you are talking about the sound ,rpm unstable, rough running , popping ?
I have had better luck tinkering with the fuel/air screws by lowing my idle down to 500 RPM, then adjust. After that set the idle back up to 1050 /1100 RPM.

My FJ has an odd problem also. Everytime I walk by it with a dollar bill it sucks it right out of my pocket.....

George

+1

Needles won't alter idle fueling unless the slides are hanging up significantly, in which case you have other problems (and would be rich as hell!).

I know this is one of those situations where I can't see the forest for the trees.

It idles with a lope like you would expect from a twin. From looking at the plugs I would definitely say its rich from the heavy dry soot after about 100 miles of leisurely riding. All four plugs are identically sooted.  There is also a bad pause when opening the throttle from idle.I thought all this would have cleared up with the clean carbs. 

I have synched the carbs and the valves don't seem to be excessively tight. I do seem to have to have an excessive amount of idle speed adjusting screw dialed in to get it in the 1100 rpm range. I've checked the fuel level in the carbs and they are all in spec below the bowl gasket surface. The emulsion tubes are in good shape as far as tight to the needles.

The forest is out there somewhere if these trees would get out of the way.

Found one of those pesky trees that are between me and the forest of a smooth running fj.

I managed to strip the threads on one of my carb boot clamps. So it wasn't as tight as it needed to be. Vacuum picked up nicely after replacement of offending screw. Now to undo the tinkering I've done trying to understand what was going on with the bike.

I feel your frustration. From what you say it sounds like a fuel problem.

Only one place to get fuel from..... I can imagine it is a P.I.A. but I would pull the carbs (again  :ireful:) and pull every bit apart and reinstall. Perhaps a jet is not seated or cross threaded ? Do all the fuel / air screws have the spring, washer, "O" ring installed properly, Is there an "extra" o ring stuck down in the hole ? recheck the float heights, are the fuel inlet needle and seats the correct ones (there are 2 versions), check very closely the choke pistons and seals.

I am sorry the ideas are not in any order and its just "things" to think about. Before you pull it apart look very closely at the choke action at each carb.. Is there another FJ member close by. Sometimes a second set of eyes will pick something up.

Hope I didn't add tree's to the forest. Have faith, Its just a machine and you can get it sorted out. In the end you will hopefully find out it was something pretty simple.
I have worked on computer problems sometimes for days and almost every time it ended up being a simple problem on my part :dash2:  :good:.

Keep up the good work and keep feeding the peanut gallery we are hungry..................
George

Quote from: squidley63 on May 02, 2013, 09:54:21 AM
Found one of those pesky trees that are between me and the forest of a smooth running fj.

I managed to strip the threads on one of my carb boot clamps. So it wasn't as tight as it needed to be. Vacuum picked up nicely after replacement of offending screw. Now to undo the tinkering I've done trying to understand what was going on with the bike.

Sweet !  :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
George

Another slight tweak to my fj in the near future. I have an annoying hole in 2 pipes on my v&h header that are way too thin to weld up(about half the normal thickness is left). To put in new pipe section would be a real pain due to how close it is to the collector. So I had been looking for replacement exhaust I came across a stock system for a good price.

Now I am torn about whether to go with the whole stock exhaust and go back to stock jetting or to use the 2 v&h mufflers that I have available and maybe be able to keep my current jetting.

I think that having 2 pipes on an fj just look right and I am definitely going to that look. I just don't want to end up with a modified exhaust that will be a pain to get jetted properly.   If I go stock exhaust complete I don't want to go back to stock air box from my unipods so I would think I may want to use a little more jet than stock for the pods? 

I do have the bike running good with only a little bit of hesitation just off idle as it is now.

Randy should have his new system for sale very soon and its complete headers all the way thru to and including the exhausts and is going to weight a darn sight less then the originals system, Standard system is about 35lbs and his will be about 6  :yahoo:

I was under the impression that he was doing a 4 to 1. I really like the twin cans on this bike. It just seems to be missing something on the left side with only one muffler.

It seems my fj wants to be cranky. Actually non cranky as it didn't want to start.  After Checking the wires and switches I found the edge of the relay was cracked so that water sat on the board inside. I had thought of just bypassing but images of my bike falling over when cranked stopped me for now. Luckily I found one off eBay that should be here in a few days.

After an issue with a supplier off eBay I finally got my bike going only to find my rust removal on my tank did not hold up for long. I had used muriatic acid to get it to bare metal and then rinsed well with water dried it fully in a hot box. I'm guessing I didn't rinse it well enough and it was still acidic causing a flash rust. The fine rust clogged my fuel filter and my carbs need cleaning again. I'm going to get a bit more aggressive with the neutralizing of the acid and hope for the best.

Quote from: squidley63 on June 02, 2013, 09:55:09 AM
After an issue with a supplier off eBay I finally got my bike going only to find my rust removal on my tank did not hold up for long. I had used muriatic acid to get it to bare metal and then rinsed well with water dried it fully in a hot box. I'm guessing I didn't rinse it well enough and it was still acidic causing a flash rust. The fine rust clogged my fuel filter and my carbs need cleaning again. I'm going to get a bit more aggressive with the neutralizing of the acid and hope for the best.

Try phosphoric acid instead.

From wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphoric_acid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphoric_acid)

Rust removal:
Phosphoric acid may be used as a "rust converter", by direct application to rusted iron, steel tools, or surfaces. The phosphoric acid converts reddish-brown iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3 (rust) to black ferric phosphate, FePO4.
"Rust converter" is sometimes a greenish liquid suitable for dipping (in the same sort of acid bath as is used for pickling metal), but it is more often formulated as a gel, commonly called "naval jelly". It is sometimes sold under other names, such as "rust remover" or "rust killer". As a thick gel, it may be applied to sloping, vertical, or even overhead surfaces.
After treatment, the black ferric phosphate coating can be scrubbed off, leaving a fresh metal surface. Multiple applications of phosphoric acid may be required to remove all rust. The black phosphate coating can also be left in place, where it will provide moderate further corrosion resistance (such protection is also provided by the superficially similar Parkerizing and blued electrochemical conversion coating processes).

I got mine in liquid form from Home Depot under the name 'Kleen Strip - Prep & Etch'   < $10 USD/gal.

I've considered phosphoric as a coating but have run into issues with the resulting converted rust letting loose from the metal.
I've also tried por15 with mixed results because of thicker buildup not curing correctly. I may try to clean with muriatic then convert what's left with phosphoric before neutralizing the tank.

I finally have my tank derusted and coated with red kote tank liner. After a mild setback with a leaking fuel petcock I appear to be back on the road. I really appreciate randy@rpm taking the time to look up shipping options even though it ended up being shipped regular.

I still have a hanging idle but all the power seems to be back. I think I need to up the pilot jet to accommodate the pod filters and I have a bit of An oil leak since I checked my valves. I am really enjoying the stock exhaust sound after removing my rotted Vance and Hines exhaust much more to my style and i really like the two pipes out the back look.

Really happy to be back on two wheels after almost 6 months being confined to a cage.

I am about halfway through my second tank of gas on the bike. I've checked the filter a few times and its been amazingly clean with just a little red tint that is the color coming out of the new liner. This morning I thought I was having issues with something because I was getting lean popping while cruising down the highway at part or steady throttle. Got home and found that a vacuum cap had gone missing off of cylinder one. Always happy when it turns out to not be a major issue.

I also have been having good luck with fairing pieces from eBay at decent prices. I just got the two pieces for around the tank for a good price. I still haven't had any luck with finding air scoops for the sides yet. Seems like they are being hoarded and made of unobtainium. I have an idea to make some custom covers instead of stock.

I find it very funny that I am basically putting the fj back to stock. I usually take bikes more to a custom look. I guess that I just like the lines of the fj so much that I want mine nice and stock. And I am getting older I guess.

I'll just give my quick 2 thumbs up for Red Kote. 2 years in the tank and still good. :good2:
John

I'm very happy with it so far. Tank is completely rust free still and I get red tinted gas for that cool factor.
I just had the light come on on this tank with still no trace of any debris in the tank. I thought I was going to have to go back into the carbs again because of some bad surging with a bit of a backfire but it turns out I lost the vacuum port cap on number 1 carb. While I had the tank off I did a quick carb sink and turned out the mix screws a half turn and now I'm getting hardly any surging and a very happy idle.

Going to put another tank through it this weekend and put on the last pieces of plastics I just got yesterday off eBay. Will put up some pics once they are on to show off where I am with it now.