Car tyre.....DOH.
Bloody obvious really. Annoyingly...the wife just had 2 new tyres on the car, and I could have had one of those while it was being done...but I have a tyre place just round the corner. Guess whereI am off to next
But we got some more stripdown work done today. Found things....learnt things....discovered my knees have more wear then an old set of exhaust valve guides. Sadly...I cannot find replacements on E-Bay so will have to just spray with WD40 and give them a wire brush. Worked for most other parts.
Got a pile of odds and ends off, and discoverd my brake pedal is bent and was fouling the footrest. Will ease this into shape. Otherwise...it's perfectly usable for now. Onto my second box of 'bits' all labelled, itemised, and itinerised. Is that a word? I will not be rummaging for lost bits when I put it back together....... ( OK ... I know I will....and will be reminded of my rash statement... )
Carbs are off....levered from the iron hard grip of the carb 'rubbers' ..... Might need new ones here....or a sledge hammer to repalce the carbs. Slides look pristine...but any wear will be in the body not the slide, as chrome is harder than alloy, but I dreaded rust spots on the slides. Found some fuel residue in the bowls. Was liquid.....but fuel is probably giving it more credit than it deserves. But rather that than bone dry and dusty.
Now...as with all strip down sessions...there were things found I didn't like.
1) The rear upper engine bolt is the wrong size. Too narrow by a few mm. Don;t like that. I thought the bolt was bent...but no. It was just skewed in the frame. All the other bolts are OK and all the mounts line up nicely, so I reckon someone wrecked the thread 'removing' it with a hammer at some point. This was not a recent bodge, as the thing was quite corroded along the groove it sits in. Have noted that for replacement.
2) One of the points cover screws has been helicoiled. The bottom screw was missing...but thankfully the thread isn't! Also the cases underneath are not damaged. The end cover is battered, but the alloy under is unmarked. I suspect a swapover.....
I also learnt some lessons.....
1) The rear oil pipe is the feed pipe. This is the one that will still be full of oil when you drain the tank, and whilst it does not hold much oil, it is enough when you are trying to block it off and keep oil off the patio at the same time. This brings me onto lesson 2...
2) I found out the use for the plastic trasy under the seat. The one next to the battery holder. It's purpose is to ensure you cannot get the oil tank out of the frame while trying to move the gunk coated oil pipes out without dropping more oil on the floor. Yes. Who says the Japanese have no sense of humour. It is the perfect depth to prevent the tank coming out.
And I have one of those 'what is this thing' issues to resolve.
Whilst prepping for engine out, I have removed the breather pipe from the back of the gearbox that goes to the oil tank. I also have another pipe going from the cam cover down to a small round catch tank under the battery tray. This had another pipe running to...well..I don't know because it was not attached when I got the bike, but I suspect the airbox...and a drain pipe that weaves it's way down to behind the right hand footrest hanger. Presumably it's a catch tank for a cambox breather, recycling into the airbox to burn off residue in the engine, and an overflow pipe for emergency and to prevent airlocking. Is this a standard fitment for all ...or is this a US emissions thing? I would expect the crankcase breather....but not sure about the other.
I also....thankfully...found the most useful of tools. It was also the first EVER special tool I bought. 32 years ago. From a Honda dealer in Yeovil, Somerset. I had a CB125T2, and was struggling to undo the cross head screws on the sprocket cover to fit a new chain. Asked for advice...and was told to buy a particular t-bar screwdriver....which they happened to have. 32 years later...I am still using it, and it is still a perfect size and fit for 70's Honda screws in engine casings. Fits snug, gives good purchase, and lets you put enough weight on while you turn it.
Thank you Paul Branson's of Yeovil. ( I think they are still going as well )
But with all the engine mounting bolts loosened off, and lightly nipped back up ( so I know they will all budge with minimal effort ) , the wiring off, the oil pipes off, and everything likely to get in the way removed....I was beaten by the heat. Tomorrow.....the engine leaves the frame
edit: Forgot to say...I found the cover from between the horns jammed into the toolbox under the seat... and...one lug from the left hand sidepanel. It was missing when I got the bike..but guess what...I have one mounting lug! It was wedged in the rubber.