Rally Preps are well underway........................

[Firehawk068]

Figured I would do a little maintenance on the old girl.

Since it's been awhile since I checked the valves (four years and 16,300 miles to be exact), and I still have Lee's Valve Bucket Tool, I decided now is the time.



The last time I did them, I got the math wrong when converting from Std-to-Metric on 2 of the exhaust valves, and they ended up way too loose. (they were still ticking loudly)
I figured it should be corrected this time around. From now on, I'm doing all my measurements and calculations in Metric.
I was surprised to find that I had only 3 valves out of spec. The (2) loose ones, and (1) tight one.
I also have one intake valve on the tight end of the scale, but I'll leave it until next time and check them at a more frequent mileage.


I originally was going to jump up two sizes on the number-1 exhaust valve, but in the end after measuring again it ended up being just a bit too tight for my liking, so I only bumped up one shim size.

After cleaning the valve cover, the gasket, and the grommets I buttoned the engine back together and warmed it up to temp for the carb sync.



This is as close as I could get them.



Whenever I get in there and adjust the valves, I always like to do a compression check as well afterwards.
While the engine was still nice and hot, I pulled all the plugs to get the readings.
I'd have to say, even with the miles that this engine has on it, it still seems pretty healthy.
Since I didn't have a true density-altitude reading for that day, I just used my generic altitude correction factor for 5,500-ft of .85(my house is actually at 5,600-ft but DA's here range anywhere from 4,500 to as much as 8,000 depending on weather conditions)



I also took the time to get rid of this ratty thing............... (it's the vacuum hose that runs over the top of the engine on its way to the advance module up under the fairing)



I found 2 small pieces of steel brake line tubing laying around the garage, leftover from another project, and a union. Screwed them together and cut the flares off of either end.
I slid larger vacuum hose over the steel tubing so it wouldn't rub directly on the valve cover, and connected the one end with a short piece to the #2 cylinder where it was.
Now I have a hard vacuum line where it runs across the top of the engine.



Put the rest of the bike back together, and took her for a short spin around the neighborhood to check operation of all the important stuff.
All is very well 
Now I just need to check tire pressures and lube the chain. She is ready to ride!

The next day I decided to focus my attention on my poor trailer. It was looking in pretty sad shape, so time for a make-over....................

Stripped it completely down to the bare frame!







It will get:
New Tires, re-packed bearings, new paint, new wiring, new lights, new decking, new fenders, and new sides....................Since it is supposed to snow this weekend, it may have to wait another week or so.

Can't wait to see everyone in Coloma!