Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 18, 2024, 11:05:07 AM
I started my current 500 project on the 3rd September 2022 having progressed without difficulty up to the 23rd May 2024 when I first started up the engine. Any periods where little or no work was done was primarily due to it being too cold in my garage to work or sometimes delays in sourcing a part or minor glitches in my personal energy levels. There is also of course living ones life outside of sohc - ones family, personal, domestic obligations/rewards, social life.
As a result of some poor petrol pipe in my temporary petrol tank number one carb has started flooding plus that cylinder is not running as hot as it should. It has also come to light that the replacement needles & Emulsion tubes from DS are nothing like the originals.
I now have the right brassware so need to accept that the carbs need to come off again - pull my finger out and get it done.
My issue is I can't seem find the enthusiasm to move forwards. I've been bitting and bobbing with cleaning up the points mounting plate as an avoidance tactic.
I'm hoping that this is not an unknown experience so I am reaching out to sohc members for a solution/fix.
What have members done to get back on track with a build?
I need a new batch of "Round to its" to go back into the garage and just get it done - wtf can I find those Rountuits?
If posting is seen as un-manly a PM would be ok with me. My Johara's Window is wide open.https://www.communicationtheory.org/the-johari-window-model/
Post by: Orcade-Ian on June 18, 2024, 11:23:26 AM
A case in point is with my very low mileage V12 XJ-S convertible. When I got it a few years ago, I ripped into it, replacing all the rubber injector pipes and stripping and cleaning all brake calipers. It ran perfectly until on the way to the MOT station, when the ABS light came on and stayed on. I shoved it at the back of the workshop and it hasn't moved since!
Something or someone will suddenly inject me with enthusiasm and if I live long enough, it will get sorted - it's only a machine!
You need to go and visit a mate who is well into a project - the infection will spread!
Ian
Post by: DomP on June 18, 2024, 01:47:58 PM
I've also got my workshop build underway which is a distraction to 'project 550' not to mention repainting all of the house windows and a certain football tournament that's dragging me away.
I will return to it though at some point
Post by: Laverda Dave on June 18, 2024, 01:57:46 PM
I've ordered a replacement steering stem but until that arrives I've decided to actually ride the bikes I have previously restored especially now the weather has improved at last!
Hopefully when the replacement stem arrives and I get it powder coated my enthusiasm will return to strip the front end down to fit it and the rebuild can progress.
Post by: Laverdaroo on June 18, 2024, 02:21:40 PM
Happens mate, just get into it but ensure all is tidy in the workshop, rearrange yer stuff so it’s all in its place and all is re set ready to go and rip into it, you know you’ll be into it once you start. It’s one of those ‘But I’ve already done that once FFS, I’m going backwards’
I found getting a white board and writing all the jobs down so you can focus your time and get the joy of crossing them off once complete. By crossing out the jobs but leaving them on the board means you can also SEE that the jobs are getting fewer and things are moving Which can help egging you on and keep enthusiasm going
Get cracking mate, you can do this
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Post by: Laverda Dave on June 18, 2024, 02:57:27 PM
I've always found the worst thing to do is to throw the tools down if something goes wrong and just leave everything where it lays. It is always worse when you go back into the workshop and it's a mess, partial defeat before you even get started! I always put the tools away and tidy up a bit, it also takes away some of the sting of a bad day! Worse thing to do is to go back in a bad mood because you feel you have to, that is a guaranteed bad day in the making for sure😠.
The fundamental thing to remember is we do this because we ENJOY it, it's not work, our livelihood doesn't depend on it, it's supposed to relax us. As you say, we are only human and it's all ok to take a break from it in order to reignite the enthusiasm.
I find watching a bit of Alan Millyard helps to fire me up again, anyone who can build a V10 motorcycle (and a lovely 1930’s style V-Twin Velocette) in a single garage puts a broken ignition key into perspective!
Post by: magpie114 on June 18, 2024, 05:31:26 PM
I found getting a white board and writing all the jobs down so you can focus your time and get the joy of crossing them off once complete. By crossing out the jobs but leaving them on the board means you can also SEE that the jobs are getting fewer and things are moving Which can help egging you on and keep enthusiasm going
This is a great idea and it really does help. I've been using a small whiteboard for sometime not only listing jobs but info too such as torque settings.
Alan
Post by: Deano400 on June 18, 2024, 05:44:27 PM
Post by: Seabeowner on June 18, 2024, 07:09:57 PM
As said keep careful notes of what you have done and what bits are where and don't rush and just carry on out of frustration. Walk away.
Hopefully it is warmer now where you are and that makes them a bit easier to remove.
I'm just cleaning off the paint I sprayed on my tank earlier with a view to starting again on Thursday.
Phil
Post by: Mike_Berkshire on June 18, 2024, 08:26:55 PM
Post by: mickwinf on June 18, 2024, 08:29:17 PM
Post by: Laverdaroo on June 18, 2024, 10:36:13 PM
Always gotta be a tidy workshop or your days ruined before it’s begun through frustration of a sh*those and not being able by to find stuff.
I’ve never been a throw it down and have a tantrum sort, making things worse and you thenn have to replace/repair/ sort out broken kit. Nope, just walk away and come back another time. It’ll still be there. When jobs are forcing a go slow dont class it as ‘homework’, there’s no timespan, just do it when you feel like it but I guarantee you’ll do it and then think, “what was all the fuss about, that wasn’t that badâ€
Like I said, I think it’s just the thought of RE doing things, gives me the hump so feel for you Ted.
Now come on, fresh eyes, a renewed vigour, go fishing, listen to some crap radio for the day and enjoy looking at the scenery. You’ll have it done I. No time after that.
PS, don’t forget you renew your fishing licence it’s open season again
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Post by: taysidedragon on June 19, 2024, 12:59:21 PM
My 400f started running rough at low revs and not picking up smoothly when opening the throttle. I drained the float bowls and the fuel was dirty, must have picked it up when filling up. I knew that I had to take the carbs off to clean them out but kept putting it off. I've been using the bike and putting up with the problem.
I finally bit the bullet yesterday and got the tank and carbs off. Everything is cleaned out now and ready for reassembly. I feel happier now that I've got on with it. Let's hope it goes back on ok. 🤞
You'll know when you're ready to crack on with yours. Take your time. 👍
Post by: Bryanj on June 19, 2024, 01:37:57 PM
Post by: mickwinf on June 19, 2024, 02:34:48 PM
Post by: davidcumbria on June 19, 2024, 03:17:37 PM
And thanks for all your input on here which definitely helps to maintain enthusiasm and interest in these bikes.
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,29954.0.html
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 19, 2024, 03:37:36 PM
It bolstered me sufficiently today to re-set the points & timing as I had lost the plot a few days ago after cleaning up the points base plate then being a numpty just could not get the bulb to go out when setting the static timing with the correct points gap.
This morning I had just one thing on my agenda - set the dam timing Ted you have done it before! Aside from getting the bike running again I tinkered with the air screws (after fitting the correct 500 ones) I swapped out number one spark plug so it now runs hot on all four cylinders at last.
I have a touch of melted skin on one finger after being a tad too casual thinking number one cylinder would be cold. I had a second or two thinking it was cold before the cold/hot signal changed in my brain!
Post by: Laverda Dave on June 19, 2024, 03:50:33 PM
I have a touch of melted skin on one finger after being a tad too casual thinking number one cylinder would be cold. I had a second or two thinking it was cold before the cold/hot signal changed in my brain!
[/quote]
That's because our nerve endings take a lot longer to react to hot and cold rather than straightforward pain Ted (I remember it being explained by Doctor Magnus Pike on Don't Ask Me back in the late 70’s).
Good to hear the enthusiasm has returned though despite the impromptu BBQ!
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 19, 2024, 06:45:48 PM
Official Groundhog afternoon they are off - took me about an hour and a half to remove the clutch cable, throttle cables , took all the air cleaner parts, off with the battery & battery box, wiggled the intake thingy out of the way - carbs now off.
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.(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53801430492_c0a259d464_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pYfoSy)Carbs off (https://flic.kr/p/2pYfoSy) by Macabe Thiele (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187487200@N03/), on Flickr
Post by: Laverdaroo on June 19, 2024, 07:08:32 PM
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Post by: Craizeehair on June 19, 2024, 08:52:37 PM
Looking forward to seeing your next update.
Post by: DomP on June 19, 2024, 08:59:42 PM
Post by: Johnny4428 on June 20, 2024, 07:03:18 PM
Post by: royhall on June 21, 2024, 06:18:24 AM
During the build your trying to do everything perfectly. After first fire up it usually becomes clear that more work is needed and it is demotivating.
You just need to accept that there is no such thing as perfection and getting a half century old bike to behave itself is not easy. More work is almost always required, you just have to take a few days break from it, then get stuck in and sort it.
You will get there in the end.
I have a bike I finished 3 years ago and it's still not run-in as I'm struggling with carburation issues.
Best of luck mate.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 21, 2024, 07:15:28 AM
Good to see you going again Ted, I’ve been feeling your pain. I couldn’t get the CB360 firing on both and had to have the carbs out three times, I’ve balanced them and it’s running but I’m not completely happy with it and knows it needs more fettling but as a novice it’s a slog but I’ll get there.
Looking forward to seeing your next update.
I just looked back at my personal build log in 2020 when I first had my 400 running before the full rebuild - the carb sliders were all stuck soild. After the carb work I read that I had to take the carbs off several times drawing blood on the back of my hand getting the intake 4into1 thing in place - being older even a hard plastic produces a big bruise as well as cutting thin skin like a blade. When I removed my 500 carbs I remembered to wear some grip gloves so escaped relatively unharmed!
I'm planning to go fishing this afternoon as a treat to myself before I return to the carbs - I have a couple of stripped bowl threads to fix as well 2 out of 16 aint bad I guess.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 21, 2024, 07:26:38 AM
Ted, you are not on your own and I freely admit that I go through phases where I just can't be arsed - usually because of an unobtainable part or interruptions from other sources. This spell of shite weather hasn't helped either.
A case in point is with my very low mileage V12 XJ-S convertible. When I got it a few years ago, I ripped into it, replacing all the rubber injector pipes and stripping and cleaning all brake calipers. It ran perfectly until on the way to the MOT station, when the ABS light came on and stayed on. I shoved it at the back of the workshop and it hasn't moved since!
Something or someone will suddenly inject me with enthusiasm and if I live long enough, it will get sorted - it's only a machine!
You need to go and visit a mate who is well into a project - the infection will spread!
Ian
Blimey Ian you need to get back on the XJ-S and sort out the ABS - I had a Merc 300TE-4Matic that had a fluttering ABS linked sensor. I ran it for almost 5 years with the ABS fuse removed - the fix was the front drive shaft reluctor rings that were part of the drive shaft itself. At just over £1k for one drive shaft I sold her when the self levelling rear suspension collapsed that is part of the 4-Matic system. Sold it as a none runner losing only about £600 on the original purchase price. G23SST is still on the DVLA database - car came from Callenders in Glasgow when new iirc.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 21, 2024, 07:30:51 AM
Your at the worst part of the project Ted.
During the build your trying to do everything perfectly. After first fire up it usually becomes clear that more work is needed and it is demotivating.
You just need to accept that there is no such thing as perfection and getting a half century old bike to behave itself is not easy. More work is almost always required, you just have to take a few days break from it, then get stuck in and sort it.
You will get there in the end.
I have a bike I finished 3 years ago and it's still not run-in as I'm struggling with carburation issues.
Best of luck mate.
I assume you are talking about the CB450KO Roy - from what I have read here they are a challenging bike to get running well at the best of times - I admire your persistance.
Post by: royhall on June 21, 2024, 07:36:08 AM
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Post by: haynes66 on June 22, 2024, 04:01:13 PM
pete
Post by: SumpMagnet on July 21, 2024, 11:43:12 AM
My poor 750 project is needing love, but the daily rider needed work...then a Triumph T21 happened...then work changed. Then the daily rider needed more attention.
The bike fund was getting stretched too many ways, my search for a sensible exhaust that wasn't £500 of iron oxide with a chrome skin got frustrating.
So It's taking a rest.
But it's not forgotten. The frame paint got some damage in the house move, and I need to redo it. That was 3 years ago. Shame on me. But I did paint the engine, sort a lod of other stuff out, prime the tank and more. Just haven;t done anything since last summer. I will get back to it.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on July 21, 2024, 12:44:34 PM
Instead I have been doing some minor jobs & checks on the 400 giving it a short run with more runs out planned next week if it stays dry.
Post by: Johnny4428 on July 21, 2024, 03:50:11 PM
Post by: mickwinf on July 21, 2024, 04:12:01 PM
Post by: Green1 on July 21, 2024, 08:20:28 PM
I almost sold all my bikes of very recently. Even went as far as drafting a few adds.
Something strange has happened today and my enthusiasm seems to have been reignited.
Still short on spare time though ::)