Blogging the Build

Long weekend of work.
Carbs are still holing - Yippeee...
I discovered the wonderfule world of Shimming on Friday night..... Until 3AM. I got them all within the specs of .05 mm and.15 mm so I thought everything was good.
Saturday was a busy day with lots of customer bikes in the shop so it took awhile to get around to checking my compression.
When we did, there was no compression in 1,2 or 4 but 3 had about 5-10 lbs of compression.
You talk about frustration. All this work and I don't even have compression.
I think it is the timing so we have to take a look at that again. It was late enough in the day, I was frustrated to the point of almost kicking the bike over and saying "To HECK with it" but I didn't, I just walked away, went home and spent some time with the kids for Fathers day weekend.
I'll try to get back out there tonight to get it figured out.
I'll keep you updated... If anyone has any words of wisdom, please by all means, throw me some inspiration.

Hang in there bro. you'll figure it out. double check that u have clearance under those cam lobes first. Also verify that the guage is working properly.

Thanks man,
I have clearance on all of the valves, They all come within the specs of clearance according to the book.
I will check the gauge but we could even hold our finger over the spark plug hole when turning it over.

Something doesnt sound right. to have that little of comp it sounds to me like u would have to have a valve open, or no rings? could the cams be out a tooth on the chain?

That is what we are going to check again.
For some reason, the chain loosens up once in awhile at the top between the cams when turning it by hand.
It took quite awhile for the guys to get the timing right on it.
I don't know for sure if it is right. The Tensioner is in place and seems to be working but like I said, the chain looses tension between the cam gears now and then.
Any ideas?

my first guess would be that the chain has streatched in 1 area.
i have seen it bad on a drive chain but not on a cam chain. but i havent worked on many bikes either.

We are going to check the timing in a week and a half.
I just got done with the J&P Cycles Open House with 22,000 attendees and I am really beat. I am taking a week and a half off work to attend Boy Scout Camp. I'll get back with you all after that. YEAH, NO COMPUTER.

Ok so it took over a month to get back to working on the bike from putting it away before the J&P Cycles Open House.

I finally got tired of everyone saying the timing was fine, don't look at it and I took it upon myself to "READ THE DIRECTIONS" only to find out that the timing was off by 180 degrees. I won't be listening to anyone from now on that says TRUST ME...
So I fixed the timing issue and it fired right up.
So for a bike that sat with the head off for about 4 years, leaning up against a fence by a gravel road...

It's ALIVE.. When it all gets put back together this week and I'll take it out for some photos.

good to hear your back working on the old girl good when you can figure stuff out for your self makes you feel pretty good don't it.

congrats on getting her fired up shannon.

so has the wife found out about your little indiscretion yet?haha,keep us posted.

leon holmes

Congrats, Shannon. Keep on going and enjoy!

Been riding it yesterday and today when I am not working. Lots of fun. This is my first motorcycle and I didn't just go to a dealership to buy one, I took a basket case and made it purr. Well, it kinda coughs a little before it purrs.
The battery isn't charging and the carbs still need adjusted but I was so excited that I just threw the tank on, seat on and turned the GO!!!! handle.
It's back in the garage since lunch and I had to push start it.... I'll have that problem fixed in a jiffy next week. I have to go the the Antique Motorcycle Club of America's Swap meet in Davenport this weekend and to Thunder in the Sand Biker Rally in Conesville, IA. put on by the Circle of Pride MC. Great party, totally a Freedom Rally.... The good ol' fashion kind with lots of naked chics and booze.. Booze, Bikes and Babes.
I'll try to get some pictures of it up soon too.