Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Red: Process of Elimination

Swapped in the "Flexhone Practice Jug #2" cylinder hoping that it would resolve the smoking issue, despite the fact that the walls were only marginally better than the original.

At first, there seemed like much less smoke (though it was still definitely smoking).  But then taking it around the block a few times showed that there was literally no change.  If anything, it was even a bit worse.



Saturday, December 21, 2019

Red: Hard Hone

Figured that if changing the rings made absolutely no difference, then it must be the cylinder itself that was at fault.  I remembered seeing score marks (running straight down the length of the cylinder) last time it was out.

So pulled the jug off again today.  Checked the piston gap on the top ring and it was well within spec at .254mm to .305mm.

But definitely saw the same straight line score marks.

Tried going at it with the 48mm Flexhone to try to smooth it out, but that didn't seem to do much.  Switched to the bigger 51mm which was tricky to keep moving at a constant speed (it kept getting stuck) but eventually got to a rhythm once the balls had worn down a bit.

Couldn't really smooth out the scoring, though, so they must be in there pretty deep.

On start up, there was no smoke, but I only let it idle for a minute as I want to seat the rings before anything.  The lack of smoke may just be because the oil hasn't had a chance to work its way up into the chamber yet.

We'll have to see after we do a few runs.




Thursday, December 19, 2019

Red: New ART Piston

Had considered just replacing the top 2 rings on the existing piston, but realized I had a brand new ART piston in the right size (+0.25) so just swapped the piston out instead.

The ART piston doesn't have 2 cutouts for the wrist pin clip and getting the clip installed was harder than on the Honda piston.  Didn't even end up using the "G" clips that came with the ART as they seemed even harder to install than the simple "C" type.

Did a very quick and light honing with the 48mm Flex-Hone.


Unfortunately, still had a lot of white smoke on the restart.  Did some good runs past Baker Beach to try to seat them, but it was smoking the whole time and never got any better.

Compression was up to 90 though (warm).










Monday, December 16, 2019

Red: Maintenance

Red now spewing white smoke under throttle.  Compression at 70 (warm engine).

Removed the seat to better secure the left side wiring.



Friday, December 13, 2019

Red: Seat Toolbox

Mounted Red's toolbox.  Not sure why I'd always thought it didn't fit the aftermarket seat.  It fit just fine.



Sunday, December 8, 2019

Ivy II: Shift Test


Torqued front sprocket to 15.

Chain installed and chain slack set.

Installed the new 100db horn.

Tensioner bolt was NOT TIGHTENED down.  Once tightened, no leaks, go figure.

SHIFT TEST: Ran a couple laps around the block.  She shifts!  Shifts are a bit "tight" and vague but no problems.



Sunday, December 1, 2019

Ivy II: The Good Kind of Leak?

Lucky, lucky.  All things being relative, it seems that the cold-engine oil leak may only be coming from the tensioner bolt.  Going to add in the washer and see if that makes a difference.

Also installed the front sprocket but didn't torque it yet.