!984 Project - it begins

[FJ Bob]

Great Day Today

My screwdriver arrived and this thing is magic.  Worked like a dream and the master cylinder cover is off.

Jscgdunn thank you!

Now as Paul recommended to find some new screws.

New tires will be ordered this week and just waiting for the weather to warm so I can do the final paint job. 

Spring is not far away and neither is my FJ from hitting the road.

Bob

[balky1]

You did manage to open it, but for future notice, usually a light taps with hammer on a screwdriver works good to break the oxides created on the threads of the screws.

[FJ Bob]

Balky1

I did try the tapping with a hammer and regular screwdriver before with no success.  The Vessel JIS #2 Impact Driver was the solution.  Only $14.00 CDN, but took about a month to come from Japan.

Bob

[balky1]

OK, good thing is that you've succeeded.

[FJ Bob]

Hi Everyone

I've got the new tires and I'm going to take off the wheels off the bike this weekend.  Anything I should be be aware of or watch out for?

Thanks

Bob

[PaulG]

Check condition of the cush drive

Sprockets?

Wheel bearings - If needed - buy them from an SKF or other such distributor - just bring in the old ones and they will usually have them on the shelf - maybe even the 3rd rear hub bearing (which is an oddball size) - if not, only a day or two to wait for it. Fraction of the cost of OEM.

While the rear wheel is off - remove the swingarm, shock, and linkage.  A lot of grunge gets collected around it, so give everything a thorough cleaning inside and out.  A lot of expensive needle bearings in there.  When I bought my 92 I had to replace them all - made a huge difference in handling.  Again if you need new ones go aftermarket if possible. These require pressing in and out.

Check valve stems

Drink Beer 

[Charlie-brm]

Balky1

I did try the tapping with a hammer and regular screwdriver before with no success.  The Vessel JIS #2 Impact Driver was the solution.  Only $14.00 CDN, but took about a month to come from Japan.

Bob

Some tools pay for themselves with the first application. Take care of it. That's a very good price too.
For general use in the future, you can pop in to a Princess Auto and look for this: http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/9-pc-manual-impact-driver-set/A-p8311615e


Unfortunately the price has gone up but it's my go to for the bike and for electronics cases since I can swap in any 1/4" hex bit I have, and I have JIS hex bits. I have had it maybe 20 years. It is palm sized, about 3/4" diameter. Pretty nice to spin screws in and out too.

LIGHT taps with a carpenter's hammer will do. Testing first by seeing the effect you get from tapping your chosen bit on to a piece of softwood isn't a bad idea. The bigger hand held impact drivers I have never see the light of day.

[FJ Bob]

PaulG

Thanks for the suggestions on the other points to check while I've got the wheels off.

Definitely going to give it a thorough check while I have it apart. 

Yes there will also be beer involved as well. 

Bob

[FJ Bob]

Well the wheels came off and I did a thorough check and cleaning of everything around the rear shock and swing arm.  All is good there and on the front as well.  The new tires are mounted, balanced and back on the bike.

Now I just need some warm weather to get the body parts painted and back on the bike.  However, that won't likely be until early April.

Bob

[Pat Conlon]

Good deal Bob, on the '84/85 it is important to make sure you grease those bushings on the swing arm linkage....

A surface cleaning and visual inspection is not enough.

[FJ Bob]

Pat

Thanks for the tip.

I did not mention it in my previous post but greased everything I could find on the swing arm, chassis, etc.

Bob

[Pat Conlon]

Good....You are set!

[FJ Bob]

Well the painting went well and I've started to put the bike back together but have run into a bit of a snag.

The petcock appears to be leaking from around the valve.  It leaks leaks in both positions but more in the on position.  I took it apart and could not see anything to indicate a problem.  I suspect that maybe leaving the petcock off the tank all winter might have resulted in the seals drying out and thus now my leak.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what  might be the problem and if there is a solution?

Thanks

Bob

[FJmonkey]

If your petcock is original it has been in service for over 30 years. Considering that it holds back a very flammable liquid, it might be time for a new one.

[FJ Bob]

FJmonkey

You make great points and I completely agree. 

I'll get a new one from Randy and then I should be good for another 30 years. 

Thanks

Bob