North American Fj1200's new Aussie life

[FJools]

Good work Troy, nice to see it emerge from its cocoon.............

I invested in a ring compressor kit to carry out this job soon. Its one I've done many times on twins, once on a triple and once on my Gt750 kwak but advancing years erase the pain and dificulty encountered (although the triple was easy enough with a 120 degree crank throw.)

Still awaiting the supplier of the incorrect primary chain getting back to me and as I had to order some TZ parts from Japan I just added the chain to the order. I use JP-Parts who are highly recomended and specialise in OEM parts direct to Oz. Much cheaper than sourcing them here and you usually have them within 7-10 days if they are in stock. Shipping costs are good too.

jools

[Troyskie]

Thanks Jools, although I think your beast will look a fair bit neater than mine. I have a case of the 'impatients' now I've done these tricky bits.

Once I sort out the leaking fuel issue (Daddy & hubby time last night so no further work accomplished) I'm going to throw everything back on and run her in.

I'm also watching the calendar as I want her ready for the shed day down at Pete & Alfs.

Troy

[jscgdunn]

Seems like a ton of work when you are picking away at it but is pretty satisfying knowing you have been through everything.  Congrats...Jeff

[Troyskie]

thanks Jeff,
I was too intimidated by the bottom end and carbs, so that's been left alone...
Troy

[Troyskie]

Finally made it back into the shed this arvo.

A strong petrol pong greeted me. I assumed it was from all the petrol spewing out when I flashed her up for the first time Monday night, but nope, the tank petcock has developed a leak. A nice puddle of petrol on the bench proved it.

I'm still suspicious of the main hose as well.

Luckily Yummy is an 86 so the tank from Effie (84 1100) slipped on and allowed me to flash up Yummy. More leaking petrol. I ran her for about a minute and she started to smoke up from the leaking petrol.

It doesn't seem to be from the carbs (they all received a nice tap on the float bowls JIC). I believe it is the main line from the tank. I've already snipped of the split and perished end, but I noticed there is more perished rubber.

So what is the solution to the petcock? Is there a rebuild kit for them?

I may have a local source for the main line, but if that doesn't pan out, how hard is it to replace the main fuel lines? I have been in touch with Randy but he would need to order in.

This is somewhat frustrating as I had hoped I was in pure assembly mode 

[FJmonkey]

before I parked my '86 I had good luck with 3/8" automotive fuel line. The OEM hose clamps will not fit, plan on new clamps. The UNI pods allow more room for routing options and the thicker wall hose.

[racerrad8]

The answer to your petcock problems is right here


86-88 Yamaha Fuel Tank Petcock

Already safety wired to prevent the elbow from falling out and starting a fire.

Robert

[FJmonkey]

The answer to your petcock problems is right here


86-88 Yamaha Fuel Tank Petcock

Already safety wired to prevent the elbow from falling out and starting a fire.
Robert

The 84-85 petcock also fits but you loose the reserve function of the 86-87. I did this for my '86 as I really don't use or need the reserve function, it became the switch for my heated grips.. You still get the vacuum function and you gain the function to prime the carbs without cranking the engine, not that I find much use for it. 

[FJools]

Thanks Jools, although I think your beast will look a fair bit neater than mine. I have a case of the 'impatients' now I've done these tricky bits.

Once I sort out the leaking fuel issue (Daddy & hubby time last night so no further work accomplished) I'm going to throw everything back on and run her in.

I'm also watching the calendar as I want her ready for the shed day down at Pete & Alfs.

Troy

I'm not so sure Troy,

I had in mind to originally have all the paintwotk redone (frame, tank panels etc) but now with so much on and to meet Pete & Alfs shed day that will have to be next winters project or at least post Christmas.
You sure its not the carbs ? The float valves are easy to change when the carb bank is off. Just turn them upside down and remove each float bowl. You can clean the crap out of there while you are at it and set the float heights if you are feeling brave !

[Troyskie]

Thanks Mark, I'll check out the local auto shop today and see what they have.

Ok Randy, looks like new petcock it is.

Jools, I probably should have done that from the outset, and it looks like I will now. I will definitely try and at least paint the engine as it is in a good state to take some new black.

You know, whilst I'm in there I may as well.....

Although I now have a simple method to get that c@#t of an airbox in, I think I'm going to go the pod path.

That will also mean a filter on the gearbox breather as well I suppose. I've a number of filters I can put on, any specific suggestions? I have a spare from a compressor to remove moisture that looks a nice fit.

That will also raise the issue of jets....I'm now 1219 with 10.25:1 compression.

Carbs are a complete mystery to me. I've never done more than remove a float bowl (literally just one, once, to see what was in there) and that was on this machine. Clean as a whistle.

If I'm going to do the job right, and learn from the experience, I assume I'll also need a complete carburettor rebuild kit with the jets. From what I've read, that would be all the rubber bits, new emulsion tubes, needle, seat, gaskets, plus more bits I'm sure I will have never heard of, let alone understand 

I'll do some checking and come back with what I think the parts list will be.

[ct7088]

With the inside of your float bowl being clean as a whistle is it possible that the screws on that bowl weren't re tightened? Another possibility might be a stuck float from the unfortunate fall from the bike lift.  The jets will need to be changed, Randy or Robert will give you good recommendations for engine, altitude and riding style and have them in stock. 

[Troyskie]

Aaah, the hoist stunt  !

I think that's going to be my version of Pats cat story  . At least the roo was saved from being eaten by the neighbours dog.

I've just found some 3/8ths line and a larger dia to go over it for the bends to stop any kinks.

Before I get too excited and order a full cart, I'm going to put this replacement line on, feed some fuel in from a handy reservoir, and check for more leaks.

[Troyskie]

Finding a handy reservoir was not easy.

An old Murray ride-on mower donated it's fuel tank.

On goes the tank to perished main line, no leaks. It was just the very end of the line is still split, but this now makes it too short to reliably put on, so on goes the new hose (well shortly).

Just to be sure I fired Yummy up  , I bounced back to the house like a kid with a mega bag of lollies. Man she ran smoooooooooth, barely any choke to start & then only one click of it, and only for about 10 seconds. Me so happy.

Now I have the list of parts I need and will start filling my cart shortly.

Replacement items:
86 Petcock.
PODs.
New jets for the 10.25:1 compression and 1219cc bits. I think I'll be going 117.5 main, #40 pilots (thanks Pete).
Filter for the crankcase.

Here's a pic of Yummy with the temporary transplant till the new petcock arrives....

[Troyskie]

Ooh, just realised, boasted about painting the engine......hmmmm,....we'll see.

[jscgdunn]

Carburetors, man, That's what life about.  (Name that movie)?

There are some pretty good tutorials in the files section.  In terms of new parts, inspect carefully and is the bike is not too high of mileage most everything should be ok.  New parts cannot hurt, but keep in mind that different brands of jets and needles (ie Mikuni vs aftermarket) cannot be mixed.  RPM is the goto on these.

Jeff