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General Category => Yamaha FJ1100 / FJ1200 Running Problems => Topic started by: threejagsteve on July 27, 2009, 06:19:25 PM

Title: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on July 27, 2009, 06:19:25 PM
Hello, all!

As you may have seen in the "Intro" section, I'm a new guy here.

I've lately been getting my '91 FJ1200 back on the road after it sat in my carport for 6 years.

She ran when I parked her, and she runs again, but poorly. I really had to crank up the idle screw to get her rideable at all. I've cleaned out the carbs the best I can without taking them off, and run enough gas through her (with and without fuel injector cleaner) that they should be ok.

Plugs are cleaned and gapped, and the next indicated step would be to sync the carbs. But I didn't want to have to do that twice, so it seemed best to check the valves first. That hadn't been done in about 20K mi. and sure enough, I've got 5 exhaust shims that need replacing (all the intakes are still in spec) but I have no valve shim tool.

So here's my plea: I'm currently unemployed and reluctant to spend $60 on a tool I'm not likely to need again for years. I'm sure just about everyone here already has one, so I'd be ever so grateful if someone would be so kind as to loan me one for a few days. I'm in the 91205 zip code (SoCal); obviously in-person would be easiest for both of us. And I'd be happy to leave a cash deposit to guarantee your tool's safe return.

PM me or email to threejagsteve (at) yahoo.com

Thanks in advance,
threejagsteve
(My "other" hobby is '60s Jaguars ;) )
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: SlowOldGuy on July 27, 2009, 09:09:06 PM
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
She ran when I parked her, and she runs again, but poorly. I really had to crank up the idle screw to get her rideable at all. I've cleaned out the carbs the best I can without taking them off, and run enough gas through her (with and without fuel injector cleaner) that they should be ok.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If it sat that long, then I seriously doubt that running gas and cleaner through the carbs would make them "ok."

If it's running badly, then the carbs probably need just a little more attention.

DavidR
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: FJmonkey on July 27, 2009, 09:26:34 PM
I am with David on that, I had to pull my carbs after sitting for only one year. Your idle jets (the very small) ones are most likely very clogged. I am in SoCAL (91214) and just got the tool from Randy (R.P.M.) that I can loan out. I don't have a shim collection other than what is in the valves now. How soon do you need the tool?
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: Yamifj1200 on July 27, 2009, 09:39:58 PM
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on July 27, 2009, 09:09:06 PM
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
She ran when I parked her, and she runs again, but poorly. I really had to crank up the idle screw to get her rideable at all. I've cleaned out the carbs the best I can without taking them off, and run enough gas through her (with and without fuel injector cleaner) that they should be ok.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If it sat that long, then I seriously doubt that running gas and cleaner through the carbs would make them "ok."

If it's running badly, then the carbs probably need just a little more attention.

DavidR


David, I wanted to thank you for the bolt kit I got from you years ago at Boone. I used it this past weekend and sure does a great job. I even removed the plugs over my mixture screws. The carbs were amazingly clean for just over 100,000 miles.  The only problem I really found was a couple of pilot jets that had become clogged over the years. I think the bike runs as well as it did brand new, Thanks again...

Eric M

(http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu349/Yamifj1200/IMG_3109.jpg)
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: FJmonkey on July 27, 2009, 09:49:46 PM
David, can I order a one of your carb kits for an 86?
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on July 28, 2009, 01:29:02 AM
Quote from: FJmonkey on July 27, 2009, 09:26:34 PM
.
I am in SoCAL (91214) and just got the tool from Randy (R.P.M.) that I can loan out. I don't have a shim collection other than what is in the valves now. How soon do you need the tool?
.

Holy smokes, FJmonkey, we're practically neighbors! Your kind offer is greatly appreciated; check you PMs
______________________________

And thanks to all who posted regarding my carbs. Yes, you're probably right that I need to clean the idle jets, I've just been hoping against hope that I wouldn't have to pull the carbs. I guess I may as well just bite the bullet and do it...

Cheers,
threejagsteve
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: LA Mike on July 28, 2009, 03:09:12 PM
Get one of David's crab kits and give them a good cleaning w/ some Berryman b12 chemtool

LA Mike
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on July 29, 2009, 07:25:37 PM
Thanks to FJmonkey's loan of his shim tool (Thanks, FJmonkey!), today I was able to get the valves back in spec.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Pasadena (CA) Yamaha for swapping my 2 wrong-size shims for 2 right-size ones. (See also my post in the Reviews section)

Though I haven't run the motor yet, after getting them sorted out I turned the motor by hand a few times and rechecked my work. Minimum clearance went through on all, and maximum clearance didn't, so it looks like that can be checked off my list.

Tomorrow, the carbs!
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: andyb on July 30, 2009, 07:56:17 AM
Quote from: LA Mike on July 28, 2009, 03:09:12 PM
Get one of David's crab kits and give them a good cleaning w/ some Berryman b12 chemtool

LA Mike

Avoid getting crabs from anyone, nice or not.   :empathy:
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on July 30, 2009, 09:33:17 PM
Today I got the carbs off, which took half an hour longer than it should have. Not because of crabs, but because of the accursed California antismog plumbing - has anyone tried just losing all of that, and plugging the empty hose fittings?

I had previously taken the carb tops off, checked the diaphragms and sliders, and cleaned the needles and main jets. I had such a time with the top screws that I replaced all with hex-head bolts.

At this point, I'm mostly just interested in getting her running well, so I simply cleaned the outsides, pulled the float bowls (which were fairly clean, with only minor crud in the bottoms) and removed and cleaned the idle jets (which were dirty enough to make a difference). I used a plastic broomstraw and liberal applications of carb cleaner, and buttoned them back up. The float bowl screws weren't as bad as the top screws, so at this point I didn't bother to replace them with allens - maybe next time.

By then I'd had enough fun for one day, so tomorrow I'll put them back on the bike (with all the accursed antismog hoses) and fire her up!

Oh, and I also took the opportunity to lube the throttle and choke cables, which gives me the opportunity to mention this tip : Graphite lock lubricant works great on motorcycle cables - and lasts a lot longer than any kind of oil!

Cheers,
threejagsteve
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: Ratchet_72 on July 31, 2009, 01:50:18 PM
Quote from: andyb on July 30, 2009, 07:56:17 AM
Quote from: LA Mike on July 28, 2009, 03:09:12 PM
Get one of David's crab kits and give them a good cleaning w/ some Berryman b12 chemtool

LA Mike

Avoid getting crabs from anyone, nice or not.   :empathy:
No wonder my bike never ran right...I gave it crabs! That explains the itchy seat.
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: RichBaker on July 31, 2009, 07:56:56 PM
Quote from: threejagsteve on July 30, 2009, 09:33:17 PM
Today I got the carbs off, which took half an hour longer than it should have. Not because of crabs, but because of the accursed California antismog plumbing - has anyone tried just losing all of that, and plugging the empty hose fittings?

I had previously taken the carb tops off, checked the diaphragms and sliders, and cleaned the needles and main jets. I had such a time with the top screws that I replaced all with hex-head bolts.

At this point, I'm mostly just interested in getting her running well, so I simply cleaned the outsides, pulled the float bowls (which were fairly clean, with only minor crud in the bottoms) and removed and cleaned the idle jets (which were dirty enough to make a difference). I used a plastic broomstraw and liberal applications of carb cleaner, and buttoned them back up. The float bowl screws weren't as bad as the top screws, so at this point I didn't bother to replace them with allens - maybe next time.

By then I'd had enough fun for one day, so tomorrow I'll put them back on the bike (with all the accursed antismog hoses) and fire her up!

Oh, and I also took the opportunity to lube the throttle and choke cables, which gives me the opportunity to mention this tip : Graphite lock lubricant works great on motorcycle cables - and lasts a lot longer than any kind of oil!

Cheers,
threejagsteve

Yep... Dri-Slide is a winner!  I've been using it for years on my dirt and street bikes...
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on July 31, 2009, 09:24:32 PM
Well, I got the carbs and airbox back on today, put the tank back on, and took her for a warm-up spin so I could set the idle.

She's running much better, but still not right.

I wound up with the idle screw turned all the way in and she was still just barely running - had to keep the choke out one click to avoid stalling.

Then I remembered I'd forgotten to plug the PCV hose back into the airbox. Hopefully that's the main problem.

But by that time I was too hot and tired to mess with taking the tank off again... tomorrow's another day!

Cheers, and have a great weekend one and all!
threejagsteve
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: racerman_27410 on July 31, 2009, 10:32:21 PM
what idle screw'd all the way in? the one underneath the carbs?that is a serious problem


Frank
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: RichBaker on August 02, 2009, 02:19:40 PM
Quote from: threejagsteve on July 31, 2009, 09:24:32 PM
Well, I got the carbs and airbox back on today, put the tank back on, and took her for a warm-up spin so I could set the idle.

She's running much better, but still not right.

I wound up with the idle screw turned all the way in and she was still just barely running - had to keep the choke out one click to avoid stalling.

Then I remembered I'd forgotten to plug the PCV hose back into the airbox. Hopefully that's the main problem.

But by that time I was too hot and tired to mess with taking the tank off again... tomorrow's another day!

Cheers, and have a great weekend one and all!
threejagsteve

The bold makes me think the pilot jets aren't clean enough, any time you need to use the choke to supply additional fuel, the pilots aren't doing their job fully. The breather is NOT a PCV system, it just breathes.... no vacuum on it to affect the idle. I think the carbs need a more complete cleaning.
Blow B12, then compressed air (it really helps to have a compressor, or a tank for holding compressed air when doing carb work) through all the carb body passages. 100+ PSI makes short work of clogged carb body passages...

Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 04, 2009, 04:53:03 PM
Time for an update...

Yesterday I had the carbs off again and did more cleaning. I had another can of Gumout CA-legal (low VOCs) carb and choke cleaner so I pulled the float bowls again and used most of it recleaning the pilot jets and pilot air jets, and spraying in any other orifice that looked like it might need it... ;)

Got it all back together. I had to pull the 2 middle airbox rubbers to get that crankcase breather hose reconnected - the book says to disconnect it from the bottom (crankcase) side, but with the rubber(?) mat, electrical connectors and other stuff under there I can't even see how to get to it from the bottom.

Anyway, as Rich said, that hose is just a breather, not a PCV system, and my extra cleaning and hooking up that hose hasn't done the trick.

Now, when warmed, the idle starts low and gradually over about 15 sec. rises to 1000. Even when warm if I even crack the throttle she immediately dies, so now she's worse than before I started.

In a day or two after I've recuperated from the sore hands and knees from yesterday's thrash (I'm 54 and don't have the stamina or resilience that I once did) I'll see if I didn't just do something stupid like get a crimp in the fuel line or not turn the gas tank petcock all the way on or something.

If that's not the case, I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and do a complete disassembly and cleaning of the carbs -  something I'd been hoping to avoid.

Cheers,
threejagsteve
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 04, 2009, 05:10:06 PM
Thanks for this post to FJ Flyer, in the Mikuni BS Carb Guide:

"On the later models with a fuel pump, a kinked overflow hose will pressurize the float bowl and spew fuel into
the carb throat and out the air filter or into the engine. Take some extra time here and make sure everything is routed correctly."

Something else for me to check tomorrow, as I know I wasn't particularly careful with these yesterday! Maybe she's not starving, but drowning! :o
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: RichBaker on August 04, 2009, 08:20:40 PM
Quote from: threejagsteve on August 04, 2009, 04:53:03 PM
Time for an update...

Yesterday I had the carbs off again and did more cleaning. I had another can of Gumout CA-legal (low VOCs) carb and choke cleaner so I pulled the float bowls again and used most of it recleaning the pilot jets and pilot air jets, and spraying in any other orifice that looked like it might need it... ;)

Got it all back together. I had to pull the 2 middle airbox rubbers to get that crankcase breather hose reconnected - the book says to disconnect it from the bottom (crankcase) side, but with the rubber(?) mat, electrical connectors and other stuff under there I can't even see how to get to it from the bottom.

I install the airbox, and make sure the elbow is in the hose, and that the hose/elbow is sticking up in the general vicinity of the hole it goes into, then I take a big-AZZ screwdriver and lever the elbow into the hole in the airbox AFTER all the clamps are tight and the bolts are in that bolt the airbox to the frame. Any other method takes forever to get it in....

QuoteAnyway, as Rich said, that hose is just a breather, not a PCV system, and my extra cleaning and hooking up that hose hasn't done the trick.

Now, when warmed, the idle starts low and gradually over about 15 sec. rises to 1000. Even when warm if I even crack the throttle she immediately dies, so now she's worse than before I started.

In a day or two after I've recuperated from the sore hands and knees from yesterday's thrash (I'm 54 and don't have the stamina or resilience that I once did) I'll see if I didn't just do something stupid like get a crimp in the fuel line or not turn the gas tank petcock all the way on or something.

If that's not the case, I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and do a complete disassembly and cleaning of the carbs -  something I'd been hoping to avoid.

Cheers,
threejagsteve
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: SlowOldGuy on August 04, 2009, 08:34:46 PM
What Rich said.  The idle circuit still isn't clean.  You've got to pull the idle jet, the air pilot jet, and the idle mixture screw assembly and MAKE SURE this passage is totally clean.  Otherwise, you're just wasting your time.  With all the time you've invested to this point, you could have already done it right and not suffered further frustration.

There is no shortcut to a clean carb.
DavidR.
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 04, 2009, 09:02:31 PM
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on August 04, 2009, 08:34:46 PM
With all the time you've invested to this point, you could have already done it right and not suffered further frustration.

There is no shortcut to a clean carb.
DavidR.


If I have to take the carbs off a third time, I'll admit you're right!  ;)

Tomorrow (or Thursday) will tell...

Cheers,
threejagsteve
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: racerman_27410 on August 04, 2009, 10:30:58 PM
Quote from: threejagsteve on August 04, 2009, 09:02:31 PM
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on August 04, 2009, 08:34:46 PM
With all the time you've invested to this point, you could have already done it right and not suffered further frustration.

There is no shortcut to a clean carb.
DavidR.


If I have to take the carbs off a third time, I'll admit you're right!  ;)

Tomorrow (or Thursday) will tell...

Cheers,
threejagsteve


he is right.... and you wont have to admit it cause we already know.....

Kookaloo!
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 05, 2009, 02:09:55 AM
Quote from: RichBaker on August 04, 2009, 08:20:40 PM

I install the airbox, and make sure the elbow is in the hose, and that the hose/elbow is sticking up in the general vicinity of the hole it goes into, then I take a big-AZZ screwdriver and lever the elbow into the hole in the airbox AFTER all the clamps are tight and the bolts are in that bolt the airbox to the frame. Any other method takes forever to get it in....


Thanks again, Rich!

That sounds easier than the way I did it, which took a good 20 min.

I hadn't thought of pulling the elbow - it looks to be securely in there - but if there is a next time, I'll certainly give your way a try!

Cheers,
threejagsteve
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 06, 2009, 10:53:44 AM
OK, OK; as much as I hate to admit I was wrong, it's apparent that my quick-and-dirty way just isn't getting the job done. These aren't big old S.U.s...  LOL

So now I'll clean 'em the right way... Third time's the charm!

--starting to have fond remembrances of the EFI on my old GPz1100  ;)
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: waricle on August 08, 2009, 07:28:03 AM
I am starting to wonder if it wouldn't be worthwhile taking it to a bike shop and getting the mechanic to clean, tune and balance the carbs????
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: racerrad8 on August 08, 2009, 10:29:15 PM
It depends on how much you trust you local m/c shop...

If you are in need, I can get your carbs all taken care of. I am in Nor-Cal; equipped with all the parts needed if replacement is required and have an ultrasonic cleaner for the best clean possible.

I have build hundreds of carb sets over the last 16 years,

Let me know if I can help.

Randy - RPM
rpm@swaybar.com
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 09, 2009, 04:39:06 AM
Hello, Randy,

waricle is in Oz and, based on my eBay experience, I suspect that airmail would be close to $100 each way.

And I'm doing my own. I'm halfway through the complete teardown, cleaning them to within an inch of their lives, and reassembling with all-new o-rings. I know all the diaphragms and floatbowl gaskets are ok since I had those apart before.

I didn't want to go to all this trouble (hence my previous half-measures) but now that I've seen that I must, I'm doing it right. And although this is the first time I've had these carbs apart, I've done a number of others in the past.

But thanks for the offer; I may well be ordering one of your oil filter adapters in the near future. ;)

Cheers,
threejagsteve
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 12, 2009, 02:41:05 AM
I am pleased to report that my carbs are now thoroughly cleaned and re-o-ringed, and all back together, bench synced, and ready to go on the bike tomorrow! :)

Nothing seemed dirty enough to have given me the trouble I had, but the float needle seat o-rings were shot, so maybe that was the major malfunction. I'll find out tomorrow!

A couple of things I thought I'd pass along...

A single bristle from an old toothbrush is great for cleaning those tiny holes in the emulsion tube and the idle jet.

The reason those hardware store allen-head screws are so expensive is that they are high-alloy steel and much stronger than they need to be for carb applications. Therefore unless you just want allens, ordinary hex heads work fine everywhere except the float bowls, where there isn't clearance for a socket, and save about $15.

I used Buna-N (nitrile) o-rings, as that's what's used in fuel system applications in the hi-po car stuff catalogs I get. Also, I checked a chemical properties site that said they're "good to excellent" with oil and fuel, but not so good with sunlight/weather. That's ok; I'm sticking 'em where the sun don't shine anyway! ;)

And thanks to whoever it was that posted those o-ring dimensions here or on the Yahoo list; I can't remember where I found the post. Was that you, Randy?

Ever onward and upward!
threejagsteve
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: waricle on August 12, 2009, 06:35:34 AM
Good lock threejags!
I had a workshop next door to a Carb specialist and he would spend all day rebuilding Holley and Weber carbs and he said "I don't even think about trying to clean a carb unless I have compressed air"
I didn't listen of course and tried to clean a single dual barrel Rochester- it wouldn't go of course and when I took it to him he gave me back the carb and the bit of rag jammed in one if the jets.........
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 13, 2009, 02:22:05 AM
Well, chores and errands wound up eating too much of my day so I didn't even get to touch the bike. :(  But now the decks are cleared for tomorrow! :)

One thing I forgot to mention yesterday is that if you have a CA-spec bike with the fuel-vapor recovery system switching unit under the carbs, you WILL need a couple of Allen-heads for the two screws that hold the bracket for that switching unit - once again, no room for a socket. If you don't have that extra plumbing under the carbs, don't worry about it! ;)

waricle, if I had to rebuild carbs all day every day, I'd need compressed air too! But the last I did was a pair of '60s-vintage S.U.s for one of my Jags; that was about 5 years ago.

As it was, I went through four 16-oz. cans of spray cleaner and probably 4 dozen Q-Tips. And that was being economical with the cleaner - as I was spraying the carb bodies I was holding them over a metal 2-kg coffee can to catch the runoff so I could use it to soak the smaller parts.

It took about 2-1/2 hours for each carb after I had them off the bike.

Most of the outside cleaning was probably unnecessary, but I'd decided that as long as I had them all apart I might as well make them as clean as I could. I'm not too big on unnecessary cleaning - my cars have been known to go years between washes (but I do keep the windows clean, as that is necessary). I've seen bumper stickers that say, "I'd rather be..." surfing, sailing, flying, riding my FJ, whatever. But I have never seen one that says, "I'd rather be cleaning"! <g>

cheers,
threejagsteve
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: waricle on August 13, 2009, 04:17:04 AM
Here's hoping all goes well when they're back together.
Are there any fuel additives worth adding to the fuel to help keep things in the carbs clean without buggering up the rubbery bits?
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: rktmanfj on August 13, 2009, 08:23:18 AM
Quote from: threejagsteve on August 13, 2009, 02:22:05 AM

Most of the outside cleaning was probably unnecessary, but I'd decided that as long as I had them all apart I might as well make them as clean as I could. I'm not too big on unnecessary cleaning - my cars have been known to go years between washes (but I do keep the windows clean, as that is necessary). I've seen bumper stickers that say, "I'd rather be..." surfing, sailing, flying, riding my FJ, whatever. But I have never seen one that says, "I'd rather be cleaning"! <g>

cheers,
threejagsteve

So Steve, have you met Dean yet?      :lol:

Randy T
Indy
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: simi_ed on August 13, 2009, 01:10:40 PM
Or perhaps Paddy? :biggrin:
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 13, 2009, 03:18:25 PM
Quote from: rktmanfj link=topic=625.msg5165#msg5165 date=1250169798

So Steve, have you met Dean yet?      :lol:

Randy T
Indy

quote author=simi_ed link=topic=625.msg5171#msg5171 date=1250187040]
Or perhaps Paddy? :biggrin:


Ahhh, the sort that washes the outside of their house, eh? :D

Back when my wife was new, she had this '71 VW. One weekend it was in the shop for tires, so she was driving my '69 El Camino. I'd had the El Camino for about 3 years, and had never washed it (except for the windows, of course). It looked like its paint might've been called "Desert Sand" or something. While she was out and about, she ran across a high-school cheerleader fundraiser car wash and thought it'd be nice if she got the El Camino washed for me. Carol was standing right there, the way she told me the story afterward. The girls hosed it off, and one of them took a swipe at a fender with her sponge. Then she turned to my wife and asked, "Lady, did you know your car is WHITE?"
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 13, 2009, 09:04:25 PM
THE MONSTER LIVES!!!

And she's doing pushups in the driveway!

After getting everything back together, of course I had to take her out for a test spin.

Sure, the idle mixture is still a little lean, and she needs a proper sync, but my bench sync is pretty damned close... and who could wait? ;)

Well, I took a cruise up a local residential canyon, nice and twisty but too populated for serious speed. It's pretty, though, and good for testing throttle response etc. You can do the whole thing in 2nd if you want. Everything aside from that last bit of tuning seemed quite fine. Enough grunt to pull out of a 10-mph uphill right-handser!

On the way back on the freeway I was doing about 80 when somebody in a Mitsubishi 3000GT passed me at about 90. Figuring my 10-year-old rubber would last for a few seconds (heh, heh, heh...), I let him get about a carlength ahead of me, dropped her down into 4th and rolled on the throttle, just sucking his headlights right out! :D After just touching about 110, I figured he'd been spanked a bit  :yahoo: and dropped back down to 80... my offramp was coming up fast!

So aside from a little twiddling tomorrow, I'm happy to say that she's running fine!

Thanks to all who helped... through the loan of a tool, information and advice, or just good old-fashioned encouragement!

And waricle, I'll now and then put about a third to a half a bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the gas.  I don't know what's available there, but I usually use Gumout in the silver bottle. Put the rest of the bottle in your car; it might keep, but once that seal's broken, it might also evaporate.

Next: Fork seals!!!
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: rktmanfj on August 13, 2009, 09:18:34 PM
Quote from: threejagsteve on August 13, 2009, 03:18:25 PM
[quote author=rktmanfj link=topic=625.msg5165#msg5165 date=1250169798

So Steve, have you met Dean yet?      :lol:

Randy T
Indy



Ahhh, the sort that washes the outside of their house, eh? :D

Back when my wife was new, she had this '71 VW. One weekend it was in the shop for tires, so she was driving my '69 El Camino. I'd had the El Camino for about 3 years, and had never washed it (except for the windows, of course). It looked like its paint might've been called "Desert Sand" or something. While she was out and about, she ran across a high-school cheerleader fundraiser car wash and thought it'd be nice if she got the El Camino washed for me. Carol was standing right there, the way she told me the story afterward. The girls hosed it off, and one of them took a swipe at a fender with her sponge. Then she turned to my wife and asked, "Lady, did you know your car is WHITE?"

Um, not quite.

I was thinking that you are kindred souls...      :mocking:

Randy T
Indy
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 13, 2009, 09:41:10 PM
Oh, ok... I had it bass-ackwards! :rofl2:

Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: Dan Filetti on August 13, 2009, 11:57:51 PM
Nice job.  Glad to hear a little persistence paid off.

Dan
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: ssuv93 on August 14, 2009, 02:29:31 PM
Persistence is a prerequisite for working on old Jaguars.  Just ask Steve what he thinks of the bolts that attach the intake manifold to the block on a 4.2 litre 6 cylinder engine.  The ones underneath AND behind the intake.  Or working on the inboard brake calipers on an E-type.  In my opinion, Steve has persistence in spades.  Great Job Steve!

                   Murray

Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 14, 2009, 04:15:36 PM
Aw, shucks, Murray! (http://i32.tinypic.com/30m4mch.gif)

Intake manifold bolts are made much easier with liberal applications of Solv-o-Rust. ;)  But true, they're still no fun, and knuckles are skinned with ease!

The best way to attack Jag inboard discs (anything more than a pad change) is to simply drop the rear end. The entire IRS comes out in one piece, but you've gotta take off the exhaust first. Still, it's usually easier than attempting to do it in place.

Yes, old Jags were put together in ways that are little short of perverse in some cases. My favorite is the way they attached the interior upholstery around the doors and other spots. There's a channel in the sheetmetal, into which a 1/2" x 1/2" strip of rubber-and-fabric is nailed all the way around each opening with a nail that has a twist like a concrete nail, every 6' or so. This stuff looks for all the world like a strip cut from an old tire. The outer upholstery that you acually see is nailed to these tire strips with dozens of tiny upholstery nails.

So why bother? Because rust frequently starts behind these tire strips. So all those nails have to be pulled out. And because they are 40-year-old nails, the heads frequently come off. Then you have to attack the remaining wire with vise grips and muscle, and they're amazingly difficult little buggers to get out! Only then can you wire-brush, prime, and repaint the little channels so your door sills don't rust out from under you!

Back to my FJ, my test ride yesterday was 3 months practically to the day since I bought a new battery as the first step to getting her going again. Yes, I wasn't fast about it, but persistence paid off in the end. All that I have left to do really just amounts to catching up on normal upkeeep maintenance. Funny thing is, I figure I'll finally get her all sorted out and completely up to snuff just in time for the SoCal cold-and-rainy season to start! Oh, well, there's always next year! ;)

Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: FJmonkey on August 14, 2009, 10:33:46 PM
Steve, we have to get at least a short ride in before the rainy season....Wait! It doesn't rain in SoCal, we can ride as soon as you give her a clean bill of health. Maybe Mike will join in as well for ride up Angels Crest or the Rock Store. My first 10 months on the FJ was commuting to NoCal (San Jose) twice a week, it rained almost every trip (north end). The FJ sliced through the rain like it wasn't there, I was cold and wet but bike seemed to like it. :crazy: 
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 15, 2009, 04:23:06 AM
Heya, Mark!

Yeah, that'd be great! I was actually not too far from your neighborhood this afternoon...

I twiddled my idle mixture screws a bit (now 2-1/4 turns out) and reset the idle. She's now even better than yesterday! :D

I took her straight up Verdugo to Foothill, then across to Tujunga Canyon and a speed-limit (ok, maybe a little over now and then ;) ) putt about 10 miles up Big T. Then I turned around, came back down to Sunland, and got on the freeway home.

Yes, I definitely need to do my front brakes. They feel a bit weak, and there's little feedback - those 18-year-old lines are probably making like balloons every time I squeeze 'em! And both fork seals are shot too. (That's maybe next week if I get some ambition) And the freeway-squared back tire has to go, but I think the front is probably ok for a while yet.

But one other thing I need to do is knock the rust off my own edge. Remember, I haven't ridden at all for 6 years, and for two or three years before that, I was only commuting to the West Side and back. That was part of the purpose of today's ride - to see how rusty I've gotten, in a relatively easy canyon. And I'm sorry to say that I was not pleased with myself.

But not to worry... I'll be riding a bit almost every day, in between doing the work that needs to be done. I'm not paying for my tags and insurance just to keep her in the carport, after all! :D

So I'll keep you posted!

Cheers,
threejagsteve



Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: waricle on August 15, 2009, 04:30:25 AM
Quote from: ssuv93 on August 14, 2009, 02:29:31 PM
Persistence is a prerequisite for working on old Jaguars.  Just ask Steve what he thinks of the bolts that attach the intake manifold to the block on a 4.2 litre 6 cylinder engine.  The ones underneath AND behind the intake.  Or working on the inboard brake calipers on an E-type.  In my opinion, Steve has persistence in spades.  Great Job Steve!

                   Murray



And don't forget the Churchill Special Tool No????-(or a hammer & chisel)

I was trying to sell my Mk2 3.8 manual one day and the guy was gunning it up the hilly street and a HUGE cloud of blue smoke came out the exhaust- he said "no thanks mate" and took off and when I had a look at it the bloody brake booster diaphragm was split and brake fluid found its way into the inlet manifold and BLUE SMOKE!!!!

My favorite was tie rod end for a Jag was three times the price if a Commer tie rod end and the only difference (apart from price) was a "j" after the part number!
Title: Re: Running ragged in SoCal
Post by: threejagsteve on August 15, 2009, 04:53:19 AM
Quote from: waricle on August 15, 2009, 04:30:25 AM

And don't forget the Churchill Special Tool No????-(or a hammer & chisel)


Instead of the Churchill Special Tool that's used for pressing out the hubs on wire-wheel cars, I use an 89-cent cast-iron disc intended for something involved with plumbing, and my handy 12-tn hydraulic press. ;)