Synchronizing

[johns]

I really like these old machines. Almost two months ago I bought my R65 and I wanted to ride it a bit so I could get some kind of feeling for this machine. The first week the engine stalled a few times and started after some tries. It did so on the way home from the shop where I bought it (about 80 miles) and a few times after that. It hadn't been used since last fall, the previous owner couldn't get it to start (olduy who had it for about 14 years), so probably old fuel or water.

Anyway, since then it showed reliable, so yesterday I put in some new plugs and this morning I decided to adjust the carbs. I used more or less the same technique as with my previous R1150. First, after a ride  to get it warm, I removed the left plug, put it on the cilinder so it would load the ignition like it should and I adjusted the idle mixture screw. Never done this by ear, but it's easy. Same on the other side.

Then, the stop srews (used a twinmax) and then the throttle cables, after checkin the free play. It's iddling at 1100 (was 1250) and it's running a bit smoother now.

For the next two weeks I'm without much sight. I'm getting my eyes fixed (artisan lenses, google is your friend) and I have to do without my contact lenses for two weeks so they can measure my eyes like they should. After that I'll try a valve adjustment, and most likely I need to reajust the carbs then. Nice little jobs Some people meditate, but this is better.

[mikethebike]

Some people meditate, but this is better.

My bikes have got me through a series of "work related stresses".  I have now taken a redundancy offer and shall be looking for something "less stressful" to take me to my pension.  

[montmil]

Some people meditate, but this is better.

My bikes have got me through a series of "work related stresses".  I have now taken a redundancy offer and shall be looking for something "less stressful" to take me to my pension.  

My old grandaddy used to tell me, he'd say, "Monte, 90 percent of a job is just showing up."  [smiley=beer.gif]

Good luck with and a quick recovery from your eye surgery. Don't be like me... blind in one eye and can't see outta the other!

Monte

[Justin B.]

Yes, Johns, best of luck.

You will need to redo your carb adjustments after the valve adjustment.  When tuning up Airheads (not sure about your old Oilhead) step one is to adjust valves, then timing, then carbs...  I think I'm going to get me one of those Twinmax gizmos someday...

[Ed Miller]

And if you have points, gapping them fits in Justin's list before the timing.  I've gotten to where, if one of the bikes is acting up a bit, I just go through the whole sequence.  It saves me time in the long run.

Oh and Johns, I recommend leaving your spark plugs installed, and use a spare plug to attach to the spark plug lead, and clamp it in place with big 'gator clamps so that it can't vibrate off the cylinder and lose it's ground.

[johns]

I know about the order. No points on this R85 (1982). The valves sound ok, so I did this carb adjustment first, as a try out.

When I'm among those who can see again, I'll do the compleet procedure.

Something else, there's a lot of drivetrain slack on this bike. It's my first airhead and it's not really more then on my 1150, but more noticable because the throttle goes a bit heavy. Any pointers there?

[msbuck]

Your heavy throttle could be another issue - check out this thread...

http://suraklyn.com/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1212176495/0

[johns]

Ah that's great. I see I've got a lot of tinkering ahead. Onr of the reasons I wanted an airhead

[trolle]

even though the Twinmax is a bit on the steep side compared to the $5 balancer I will recommend it. With the twinmax synchronixing only takes me five minutes to do after proper warming of the engine.

Renewing the fuel lines with high quality stuff is a very good idea. My right carb kept acting up until I discovered that the fuel hose was frayed and letting air into the fuel/air mixture.

from a grey north with good riding conditions

trolle

[msbuck]

+1 on the fuel line...Graham's fuel line was disintegrating and little bits were making their way down into the carb.  Didn't run too good when those jets would clog up on the bits.  

[Justin B.]

I have had the little chunks lodge and interfere with the float needle closing - we all know what THAT does...  

[montmil]

Hows'bout a link to that $5.00 DIY synchronizing vacuum gauge? Just read an article aboute a guy who made one to maintain his 2-stroke ultralight flying lawnchair but it looked a little "iffy".  Thanks

[Justin B.]

I'm not sure if this is the same as the $5.00 synchronizer but here is a link to the $1.55 differential synchronizer.  Maybe with inflation it now costs $5!

http://www.powerchutes.com/manometer.asp

[montmil]

I'm not sure if this is the same as the $5.00 synchronizer but here is a link to the $1.55 differential synchronizer.  Maybe with inflation it now costs $5!

http://www.powerchutes.com/manometer.asp

That's the ticket! Thank you.

Notice this idea came from another "flyer"... of powered parachutes, no less. Although I am not a fan, I do appreciate some of the budget ideas these cats come up with.