Makin smoke
Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 10:06 pm
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.
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.