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Makin smoke

Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 10:06 pm
by BRP Tourer
After laying in my shed in pieces for 2 years my GT550 finally made some smoke today! Yeehaw!
And smoke it did... I used plenty of oil when reassembling the engine, wanted everything well lubed on start-up. Went over final checks this morning and fired it up, what a cloud it layed over the neighborhood. I hope the neighbors weren't too upset. I ran it till the smoke pretty much cleared and it made some heat, adjusted the carbs, checked for leaks, and called it good. Can't ride it till I get tags later this week, but it sounds real good. I spent most of the rest of the day cleaning and polishing. I was thinking as I worked, it has been quite a while since I messed with a bike that is more metal than plastic.
The only concern I have is my fuel supply on top end. I replaced the petcock with a manual one while it was down, I blame the hydrauliced cylinder and broken piston on a vacuum petcock that didn't shut off. The petcock I used is off an XS650 and has 1/4 nipple and pickup tubes as opposed to the 5/16 fittings on the stock unit, hopefully it will flow enough to keep the carb bowls full when I crank on it. If not, back to the parts search. I'll know once I get it on the road this week.

Re: Makin smoke

Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2010 6:05 am
by Scorch
Congrats! Always nice to hear when a new GT is alive and kicking. If you can, some video would be pretty cool. Let me know if you need any assistance getting it on YouTube. :up:

Did the Tammy petcock bolt right into place? I was looking for a manual substitute, I finally broke down and bought a OEM replacement.

Re: Makin smoke

Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2010 8:03 am
by BRP Tourer
The bolt holes on the Yammy petcock were about 1/2 thread too narrow, but very close. A couple of strokes with a round file was enough for it to bolt right up. The o-ring gasket to tank dimensions are the same so no leaks. Only concern is the smaller pickup tubes and nipple. I probably won't get to the DMV to get my tags till later in the week, so I won't be able to take it for a good run to see if it starves for fuel at high speed till then.
I'll keep you posted.

Re: Makin smoke

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 5:06 pm
by BRP Tourer
Finally got it tagged and on the road legal, went for a ride today. Noticed when it is idleing there ia a rather loud whirring noise coming from the motor. Almost sounds like straight-cut gear noise, could be a crank bearing, been so long since I had it running I don't recall if it was there before for sure, but I don't think so, it is pretty loud.
The wind is howling so bad around here I can't hear much when at speed with my full face helmet on. Any one else notice that kind of noise in their GT550? I would hate to have to tear it down again after finally getting it back up. My XL600 is needing some down time for some TLC and I sure don't want to have to go bikeless!
I also have a pretty strong vibration in the footpegs above 4500 rpm, guessing that is motor mounts, they are kind of beat.

Re: Makin smoke

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 11:01 am
by markj
My 550 makes a noticable bearing whine but it's not too loud. It's there but not too loud. Take a a video of it and put it on youtube and someone here can check it out for you.

Re: Makin smoke

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 2:10 pm
by BRP Tourer
Appreciate the offer but I don't have a camera, cell, etc capable of video (still in the dark ages). Yesterday after about 15 miles it was loud and high pitched, almost a whistle. Today started it cold, more of a low pitched bearing type noise. I know a lot of older bikes made a bit of trans noise due to looser machining tolerances as compared to newer ones. I am going to change the trans oil again and put some good stuff in it, and take it for a good run. See what it sounds like then.
My ears are not what they used to be these days so it is hard to pinpoint where it is coming from. Sounds like the right side case more than anything. I'll bring a stethoscope home from work tomorrow to pinpoint it further.