Monkey with a big crack - work & family safe

[FJmonkey]

My cracked case got worse during my recent ride with Cap'n Ron and Moparman Steve last week. Since they have not posted any ride pictures then it looks like this will be the first posting. I do know that I added a quart of oil after about 600 miles. On the first day in Santa Margarita at the hotel, it looked like more oil was dripping where I parked. The following morning I added 1/2 qt of oil to top it off. Then the second morning I filled up again with the last half qt. 

The current oil after parking:



Then on our way home I saw the scary part.

We stopped at an old stagecoach stop and I saw that the oil was now getting blown onto the right side of my rear wheel. No more tight right hand turns allowed. Mostly freeway home so I made it safe and am parked till I perform some major work or find a second FJ to ride.

So I am now looking at '86 to '90 FJs in good condition. The options seem light right now, Steve will be checking on an '89 down in Chula Vista. Any members thinking of selling, let me know.

We had fun, see:



The Monkey says "No to Crack"!!!

[Derek Young]

Bummer Mark! Why are you limiting your search to 86-90?

[FJmonkey]

Bummer Mark! Why are you limiting your search to 86-90?

I like sporty more than cushy. I might fall asleep on a '91/'92. 

[CatTomb]

A Yamaha but not an FJ, not affiliated but only a couple of miles away from my house ... http://bend.craigslist.org/mcy/4795707585.html

[FJmonkey]

A Yamaha but not an FJ, not affiliated but only a couple of miles away from my house ... http://bend.craigslist.org/mcy/4795707585.html

Thanks, I guess I have options if I think outside the FJ box....

[aviationfred]

Is this a different crack that is newly become apparent?



Here is an '86 in Arizona. Custom Kenny Roberts paint job.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/4803378892.html

Here is an ambulance in Stockton that may interest you.

http://stockton.craigslist.org/mcy/4797808055.html

Fred

[ZOA NOM]

Nice looking FJ here  http://wyoming.craigslist.org/mcy/4719900249.html


oops, just saw the 86-90 preference

[FJmonkey]

Is this a different crack that is newly become apparent?

Here is an '86 in Arizona. Custom Kenny Roberts paint job.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/4803378892.html

Here is an ambulance in Stockton that may interest you.

http://stockton.craigslist.org/mcy/4797808055.html

Fred

I saw the KR add, the full lower is new to me, both are asking way too much for the distance I need to travel and then haggle... Though AZ is not that far... Stockton even closer... I tossed out a few lines to see if they respond... Thanks.

[racerrad8]

Monkey, you have the resolution in your possession, time to get "cracking".

I have already taken some days off work early January and we can get everything swapped over, address the shock linkage issue and have you ready for the 2015 season.

But, you need to get going.

Randy - RPM

[Firehawk068]

Nice looking FJ here  http://wyoming.craigslist.org/mcy/4719900249.html


oops, just saw the 86-90 preference

Is that BMinder's bike for sale?

[Capn Ron]

Nice looking FJ here  http://wyoming.craigslist.org/mcy/4719900249.html


oops, just saw the 86-90 preference

Is that BMinder's bike for sale?

I too was thinking it might be Billy's ride...

[ribbert]

Bummer Mark! Why are you limiting your search to 86-90?

I like sporty more than cushy. I might fall asleep on a '91/'92. 

Mark, I believe even Pat is begrudgingly falling for the charms of his '92.

When I ride FJ#2, which has no fairing, I can chuck it around like a 250, it feels so much sportier and smaller and faster and and lighter and..... I wonder how much of the difference between early and late model bikes is psychological, looking down at that bigger fairing? On paper they are virtually the same.

A couple of tweaks and they're very nimble and you just can't beat that smooth motor, the more you rev it the smoother it gets.

Unbiased Noel

[fj johnnie]

 Hey Monkey man, is the weld that was done holding up? Or is that the source of your leak? Do you need just a motor?

[FJmonkey]

Hey Monkey man, is the weld that was done holding up? Or is that the source of your leak? Do you need just a motor?

There are two main issues at play. I believe my frame is bent (from hitting a curb after a low-side about 17 years ago) that is twisting the case and causing the crack and the oil leak. So when the crack was welded up during my visit to RPM, the engine was put back in the bent frame and caused the crack to return. I have a spare frame that looks to be free of any crash damage (thanks to Randy), it just needs a good media blast and fresh paint. Then swap everything over. 

Issue number two is caused by me. I am attempting to use an '89 style shock in an '84/'87 frame. This allows the use of dogbones to correct the swingarm position after putting a 17" wheel on the rear that runs slightly smaller in diameter. I discovered that the shock will not bolt on. This modification requires changing the swingarm to an '89 plus, using the '89 shock link (and I am waiting for confirmation) cutting and welding the upper shock mount on the frame to a higher position. Pictures of the '89 upper shock mount look to have the mounting bolt position higher in the frame. If I am welding and cutting then I need to do this before painting the frame.

Another issue is added cost of fixing second gear, if I am gonna split the cases to repair/replace them, then fix second gear. Now that I am this far down the rabbit hole why not freshen up the top end and make sure the bores are round with fresh rings and new valve guide seals etc... I don't need to do any work on the top end, it just seems like the best opportunity since the engine will be on the bench.

Now add up the cost of getting all this work done. And I have been considering a second bike for a few years, to ride when I restore my '86.

The final issue, I have nothing to ride I till fix the '86 or get a second bike... The 2015 WCR is getting closer and closer, I don't want to miss the rally... So that is the run down on my current situation and possible solutions.

[Steve_in_Florida]

Mark,
Very sorry to read of your bike issues. 

If we lived closer, I would gladly lend you my spare runner. I even have a `90 rolling chassis that I would give you. (offer stands for this, but shipping might be prohibitive. Maybe.)

If I could shit engines, I'd give you one of them, too!

Steve