Miles 12231: 12K Service Part 2

Checked Spark Plug Gap
Synced Carburetors
Replaced Fuel Filter
Recharged K&N Air Filter

Just C-clamped one of the fuel hoses while I replaced the fuel filter. worked like a charm. pop off, pop on.

Carb Sync

i build my own manometer using some 1/4 inch plastic tubing, wooden board, and used some 1/4 inch sprinkler elbow fittings as nipples. All Home Depot.

IDLE VERTICAL CYLINDER (RIGHT)
3.25 turns out from seated

IDLE HORIZONTAL CYLINDER (LEFT)

3.5 turns out from seated

Since the bike has been running rich from the looks of the spark plug I'm gonna lean both cylinders back to 3 TURNS.

Spark Plug Gapping

The spark plugs were NGK DPR8EA 9 gapped at .034". They were black and sooty indicating the bike is running rich. I've replaced them with OEM Champions gapped at factory .024". I will probably consider trying iridiums gapped at a wider .034" again in the future. I will be doing a carb sync and adjustment today.

Miles 12215: 12K SERVICE

Valve Adjustment
Replaced Belts
Replaced Spark Plugs (OEM Champions)
Installed Cycle Cat Frame Sliders
Chain Adjustment

Valve Adjustment

The valve adjustment just took about 6-7 hours with the help of Derek. The most difficult part was pressing down on the lower rocker arm to remove the closing shims. The spring tension is high, so to press down on the rocker arm while removing/reinstalling the moon shims definitely needed the help of two people.

We ran into one problem removing the closing shim on the horizontal intake cylinder. the top of the valve had expanded a few ten thousands of an inch. Also the closing shim was so pounded metal had rolled into the inside of the shim making it difficult to pull out. So we fashioned a tool using a tie rod tool, 16mm hex, and a plastic bottle cap. it provided just the right slow incremental forced needed to pull the shim out.



Installing the new shim on this same valve also got stuck. So the inside of the shim needed to be sanded with some 400 grit.

Measuring and calculation was another daunting task. Measuring the closing shims would have been much faster using an adapter no longer produced, so hunting it down will be interesting. Another trick is to use a washer (or opening shim) to use as a constant additive number, but provide a much easier time to measure. mm to inches was also a bitch conversion. Overall it was the first time and the learning curve was steep. Thank goodness for Derek's help.

Next up: Replace Fuel Filter