Up and Running Again
#1
Up and Running Again
My 1990 F-L was suffering from a worn-out starter clutch. Hard to start when cold, impossible to start when hot, then finally impossible to start at all. Thanks especially to sebastionbear as well as others whose hints I took on board, she might be back on the road soon.
I fitted a washer, filed down to about 0.5mm, behind the starter clutch springs. It took me three weeks to find how to slacken off the alternator chain (with a wire coat-hanger) before I could get the starter clutch back in! Tonight I connected the battery and after a second or two for fuel to get to the carbs, she fired up! After she warmed up, I cut the engine, and she fired up again immediately! Tomorrow I might get time to put the fairing back on and go for a little ride, then hopefully back to commuting again.
If I didn't have a long attack of gout, a nagging wife and loads of DIY and decorating to do, I think I could have done it over a couple of days. But for me it was a five-week job. I might have to do it again if the washer fix doesn't last.
On the way, I found:
- the carburetor boot clamps were all loose
- the two halves of the alternator connector had melted and fused together (now five pairs of bullet connectors)
- it's much easier to attach the throttle cables with the carbs out
- the fuel overflow funnel was all cracked (now has silicon sealant to hold it together)
- best way (for me) to attach carbs was first to attach at the airbox, then use a hammer and softish piece of wood to gently work into the engine side
I fitted a washer, filed down to about 0.5mm, behind the starter clutch springs. It took me three weeks to find how to slacken off the alternator chain (with a wire coat-hanger) before I could get the starter clutch back in! Tonight I connected the battery and after a second or two for fuel to get to the carbs, she fired up! After she warmed up, I cut the engine, and she fired up again immediately! Tomorrow I might get time to put the fairing back on and go for a little ride, then hopefully back to commuting again.
If I didn't have a long attack of gout, a nagging wife and loads of DIY and decorating to do, I think I could have done it over a couple of days. But for me it was a five-week job. I might have to do it again if the washer fix doesn't last.
On the way, I found:
- the carburetor boot clamps were all loose
- the two halves of the alternator connector had melted and fused together (now five pairs of bullet connectors)
- it's much easier to attach the throttle cables with the carbs out
- the fuel overflow funnel was all cracked (now has silicon sealant to hold it together)
- best way (for me) to attach carbs was first to attach at the airbox, then use a hammer and softish piece of wood to gently work into the engine side
#4
#5
#6
Started up fine this evening, ran nicely (apart from camchain rattle), got home, a bit worried that smell of petrol is stronger than usual. Will check it out this weekend.
#8
#9
Are these gaskets visible without removing the carbs? Can I do a bodge fix, e.g. with silicon sealant or instant gasket without disassembling?
Just a thought!
#10