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uncledj

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  1. uncledj
    For anyone who followed the thread, my 87 was making some crazy exhaust noise that caused me to remove and inspect the collector, the mufflers and the pipes several times. The issue was resolved when I replaced a seemingly healthy collector. I took the problem collector and cut it apart to see what was inside and what caused the problem. Lemme tell ya. A healthy collector would be very tough to get apart without destroying it. Using a die grinder with a cutoff wheel, I first cut along the perimeter of the bottom side hoping to peel away the skin with no luck. I was trying not to destroy it in the process, so I flipped it over and cut around the perimeter of the top, and although I had to cut through some of the perforated interior screen, I was able to get it apart mostly intact. This was only possible because of what ended up being the problem, which was that the two welds that hold the bottom panel to the one baffle on the inside were broken. This must have been causing the loud sound and the rattle that I had. I ended up re-welding the perforated screen anywhere that it had been pulled out during dis assembly. I then drilled 4 holes in the bottom panel where it contacted the baffle so that I could weld the baffle back on once I put it back together. I then welded the bottom panel that I'd cut back in place, then put the top back on, held it in place with a C clamp and welded it back on. I then flipped it over and welded the baffle to the bottom panel through the holes I drilled earlier. I think the takeaway is that if you are getting these crazy sounds, it'd be worth it to run 3 sheet metal screws through the bottom panel into the baffle, in line with the 2 existing spot welds, one in the middle, and one forward of the front weld and aft of the rear weld. If that cures the problem, you at least know what the problem is, and can opt to leave the screws in and see how long it lasts, or pull the collector, drill a few holes like I did and weld the baffle back to the bottom panel without taking the thing apart. In any case, I've welded mine and would be comfortable putting back on the bike, expecting no further issues. If anyone else has this problem and can get their collector to me, I'd be happy to weld the baffle back in for them. Should be pretty easy now that I know what to do.
  2. uncledj
    I'll see if I can post pics when I cut it apart Anyhoo, here's what I've done during this minor teardown. Replaced the collector Replaced spark plugs Replaced plug wires Replaces carb diaphragms Synced carbs Replaced clutch slave cylinder Changed clutch fluid Replaced rear brake pads Changed all brake fluid, / bled Greased splines Changed final drive oil Changed engine oil Repaired broken tab on lower fairing Installed forward foot rests Polished any aluminum / chrome I could get at. Should be ready for a trip I'm not looking forward to replacing the TCI when the next group buy happens....looks like I'll just about have to remove the fairing to change that. That was enough wrenchin' to last me for the rest of this Summer.
  3. uncledj
    It was the collector...!!!! Don't as me to explain it. As I said, I saw nothing wrong with it, and we even looked inside with a fiber optic camera and saw nothing out of place. I put the collector from Gary's bike on it, .....had to make a gasket for one of the mufflers since I couldn't get the old one off intact, put it all together and WALLAH...no more noise. The warden (wife) is disappointed that I've been working on the bike all day (again), so we didn't get to do anything today, so I'll have to spend time with her tomorrow, but you know I'm chomping at the bit to cut the original collector apart for a look see. I'll let ya'll know what I find....Might not be 'till next week though. The important thing is I'm ready for next weeks road trip without any issues...YIPPEE!!! I know it gets said a lot, but what a great site, and what great, knowledgeable people, so willing to help. A special thanks to Gary....I owe ya one brother. Thanks everyone for the advice on this issue. I gotta go pick up the tools and get cleaned up before the wife leaves me...LOL
  4. uncledj
    Just listened to it again, and if you listen to the second recording, you can hear that "Thrush" or "Cherry Bomb" muffler sound when I let off the throttle. That is definitely not valves. It's the rumble that you'd get when the exhaust is ? sucking air in? when you let off the gas. Again,....can find no exhaust leak.
  5. uncledj
    Just got home from Gary's Gary (Dingy) was kind enough to "put an ear" to it for me, since I don't know what more I can do to try to identify the problem. As he said, the recording isn't that great, but does give a bit of the offensive sound, but I really don't believe it's coming from the valve train. There may be a bit of ticking, indicating that they should be adjusted, but nothing serious. The sound seems to be coming from the collector. We inspected the original collector with a fiber optic scope that he had, and could find nothing out of place. Not knowing what else to do, I got a collector off of Gary, which was originally on"Tweety" and I'll put it on and see what happens. If that cures it, you can bet that I'll cut the original collector apart to see what's up. As far as the left exhaust goes, I got hold of a left muffler from a first gen MK I and, although the mount was a little different, I was able to bolt it to the collector and it made no difference. I'm doing a road trip next weekend and was hoping to have it resolved by then, but if not I'll ride it as is. The bike seems to run well, and the only problem at this point is the noise.
  6. uncledj
    The mufflers are the first thing I looked at. It seemed (and seems) like I get more exhaust flow from the drain hole at the front of the left muffler than the right. With that in mind, I thought the left muffler was bad, although I could see no evidence of it from looking into it. I ended up getting a replacement muffler on e-bay and put it on with no difference,....besides, the loud sound isn't coming from the rear of the bike, but rather from where the collector is. When I start it and try to isolate where the sound's coming from, it comes down to the collector. I can neither see or feel any evidence of exhaust leakage from any of the connections, and it doesn't sound like an exhaust leak anyway....just loud, and something has changed, and isn't right. I've removed all exhaust parts with the exception of the rear down pipes and inspected thoroughly and can find no reason for the change. I've seen on old threads where the collector baffles can break, causing such a problem, and that's what I'm down to. Anyhoo, that's where I'm at with it.
  7. uncledj
    Pulled the exhaust apart again today, planning on replacing the collector. Before pulling it apart I started the bike and quickly took temperature readings as it heated up. The front pipes heated at about the same rate, the collector seemed to heat evenly, except for where the front left pipe enters, which did heat up faster. I couldn't get a read on the rear pipes, but when I pulled the system apart, I slid under the bike and saw as much as I could, and both rear pipes looked ok on the inside, from what little I could see. I inspected the insides of the front pipes, and with a small inspection mirror I was able to see into the pipe a little ways, and both looked good. I'll change out the collector with one I'm hoping to get off of Dingy, and hopefully all that'll be left to do is sync the carbs and put the plastics back on, do a quick cleanup and I'm ready for next week's trip. Wish me luck.....I really want to put this issue to rest. Thanks all for the help so far.
  8. uncledj
    Seems pretty effective http://www.infowars.com/how-to-stop-a-massacre-surveillance-video-reveals-simple-low-cost-solution-that-works-everywhere/
  9. uncledj
    Now THAT sounds interesting..... Where did you check for the temperature difference, up near the head or down near the collector??? Is it repairable, or would it need replaced. Also: What are the bolts in each exhaust pipe for? I figured they must be some sort of exhaust gas test port to isolate the cylinders when testing.
  10. uncledj
    I couldn't do it. I took the entire exhaust system off again. This time it only took about 20 minutes from start until the entire system was off. I could pretty much do it blindfolded at this point, and with never seize on everything, it slips right apart / together. I had the collector in my hands, and looked carefully over every square inch of it. It had a minor crack (1/2") on the mounting bracket, which did not go down to the case of the collector itself. Nothing else externally, barely any rust. I looked down the tubes with a small flashlight and can see the perforated screen, ...not rusted at all. I took a small inspection mirror, and was only able to get it through the outlet pipes into the collector, and could get a fair view of the inside.....tricky, but with the mirror and the flashlight I got a pretty good view. The screen looked great. I looked it over again and again looking for inconsistencies but found none. It looked so good I couldn't make myself cut it apart. I put it all back together and tightened the bejesus out of the clamp bolts, and the sound is still there. I'm gonna try changing the collector and see what happens.
  11. uncledj
    Amazing [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3j6HaAieEU&feature=email]NEW TECHNOLOGY (AMAZING)[/ame]
  12. uncledj
    Being that you're in Iowa and I'm in Ohio, I can't help you directly, but a used unit should be fine, and should be readily available among the local HVAC guys. A lot of folks like to upgrade, thinking a system 10+ years old is due for replacement, with salesmen happy to agree with them. The fact is that you can easily get 20+ years from a maintained system. There's really not that much to them, and as long as the filter is replaced regularly and the outside unit is cleaned when needed, 20 years should be no problem. I work on a commercial unit in nearby Marion, OH with original components, although the fan motors have been changed over the years, and it was first started up in July of 1969. Having said that, the trick is to find a 18,000 btu, or 1 1/2 ton system that has been removed from a home that's had the "upgrade". That would be the smallest split system I'm aware of, so it'd be just a bit uncommon, but they're out there. You may want to try posting on your local Craigslist, either in "wanted" or, better yet in "services offered", since HVAC guys looking for work would regularly browse that category. Given a bit of time, you should be able to find one that way, or if you have a friend of a friend who's an HVAC guy, have them put the word out that you're looking. I'd expect to pay somewhere around $500 for a used system, with the inside coil and outside unit, and the same guy who sells it may install it for another ??? $750 ??? or so. Another option may be to install a ductless mini split system. You can buy them off e-bay for under $1000, and if you're handy, you can even install it yourself. They work great, are whisper quiet and fairly easy to install, with the only downfall being that they don't have the ductwork to distribute the air throughout the home. This may not be a problem in the small space you're looking to cool. After writing this, I think if I were you, I'd opt for the ductless mini split, if you think that'd do it for ya. Feel free to pm me if you need a quick response to any questions. Hope this helps:080402gudl_prv:
  13. uncledj
    YAMMER DAN If you could send a pic that would help a lot, but if, as you say, there's room, then they should absolutely have put it back into the room as far as possible. You can easily make adapters to conform to the situation. Sheet metal work is becoming a lost art, and many outfits use all purpose plenum kits to do installations which do not allow for lateral repositioning. If I were you I'd make an issue of it, expressing that you want this system to fit in the room where it originally was. If you make enough of a stink, they'll do it. It can be done at a relatively low cost to them....only a few bucks for the metal work, with the main cost being labor to have their guys re-do it. Personally, I wouldn't accept it.
  14. uncledj
    Cool...Thanks... Knowing there's a decent one out there takes some of the fear out of cutting apart the one I've got. I'll get into it tomorrow after work and see if I can identify the problem. The thing that gets me is that what I can see from looking in the inlet / outlet ports looks very healthy. I'd think that if it was rusted or blown apart I'd be able to see some evidence.
  15. uncledj
    Must be somethin' in the air....I did mine today as well. Same grungy look to the old stuff as what you experienced. I think I'll make a point of doing it every other year or so.
  16. uncledj
    Been round and round with this exhaust problem. The good news is that now that I've had it apart 3 times, and have lubed the pipes and collector with a hi temp never seize, it all comes apart and goes together quickly. I pulled it all apart to get the closest inspection of the collector. I was sure there would be some visible signs of failure, but there's not. Externally it looks great. No cracks, all metal seems solid, but put it back together paying special attention to all gaskets and connections, and she still has "the sound" .....you know...the "hotrod" sound. I'm out of options. The baffles must be having an issue inside the collector. My question is: If I cut a square as big as possible out of the bottom of the collector, will I be able to gain enough access to weld the naughty baffle (s) back in place? I did a search and found only pics of the collector with baffles removed. I'd like to keep mine as quiet as possible, so would a competent welder such as myself have anything to work with once I open it up, or should I spend the big bucks and get a replacement...??? The ones I see on e-bay right now are going for $150 , which is OK, but the ones I'm seeing look to be in worse shape than the one I have. I'm planning on pulling it back apart tomorrow, but I don't know what to expect when I open it up. Anybody out there who's done this before? Thanks:confused24:
  17. uncledj
    My Dad had a Rat Terrier / Pomeranian mix. She was given to us because at 3 months she didn't get along with her mother, so they needed her gone. That dog had a mind of her own, and she was smarter than most people, but she knew Dad was boss. I swear, when Dad would speak to her, she understood much more than simple commands. My entire family loves dogs, I have three, but in my 50 years I've never seen a smarter dog. She was definitely Dad's dog, but she was always happy to see me, and would always spend a little time whenever I'd stop by to say "hello". She died about 4 years ago, and it broke my Dad's heart. He still talks about her and grieves to this day. They were inseparable. Here's to you Little Dog....that's right,...that's what Dad called her.
  18. uncledj
    If they're in decent shape they should bring $40 or $50 on e-bay or Craigslist. I personally have 5 or 6 sets and rarely use more than one at a time.....I keep 3 sets in the van. I'd keep 'em if I was you. Ya never know when you'll want a way to read pressure on just about anything, and they'll look impressive hanging on the wall in the garage. lol:cool10:
  19. uncledj
    What a great site. So many top mechanics willing to offer any info to help another Venturerider. For what it's worth, I'm a pretty decent HVAC Tech, although I do commercial / industrial work, there's not much to the residential work, which is where I started. Since I can't profess enough knowledge about these bikes to help in that manner, if any of y'all need help with the home furnace or a/c, right down to a house call if you're within a reasonable distance, please let me know. I've never been shy about helping out when I can. I live in Central Ohio and would be only too happy to help a fellow Venturerider. PM me if you need help. I'll get it on my phone and I'll get back to ya shortly. Pay it forward. Thanks for being there. John:)
  20. uncledj
    I found a picture that shows two mounting points at the front of the collector. Working outta town until Saturday evening, so Sunday I'll pull it apart and see if I can weld it up. Thanks. I love you guys......no, really. LOL.
  21. uncledj
    Nice to see that they care enough to go through that effort for the rug rat. Many parents just buy them a x box or playstation and hope that keeps 'em quiet.
  22. uncledj
    I posted a week or two ago that I was having muffler issues with my 87 standard. I was getting significant flow from the drain hole at the inlet of the muffler on the left side. I found a replacement muffler, put it on, and while the tone changed, it still has the "hot rod" sound. As cool as it sounds, it's not the sound I was looking for. This problem started after loading / unloading the bike on a trailer, after I noticed that the bike hit pretty hard on the trailer when the back tire dropped down onto the ramp. I'm now figuring that the topside of the collector has gotta be cracked. I can see no evidence on the underside of a crack, but it's gotta be there. (on the topside) When first looking into this problem, I pulled the mufflers, pulled the front two pipes into the collector, loosened the clamps on the back two pipes to the collector, and planned to remove it for inspection, but it wouldn't budge. After a few tries I looked it over again and thought "there's nothing wrong with the collector" and gave up on removing it. Well, now I know there IS something wrong with it, so it's gotta be removed. Which brings me to my question......What's the trick??? I'm sure it's gotta be bolted on, but with all the crud down there, I saw no bolt heads. If I can get this thing off, I can weld up whatever's broken, but I don't want to chance breaking anything worse than it is by pulling / prying too hard when it's still attached somehow. Any advise on how to remove this sucker will be much appreciated. Thanks.
  23. uncledj
    Dat's da one. Thanks a bunch.
  24. uncledj
    Playin' catchup on my 87 Standard....it's been going on for a couple of weeks now, (not much free time to work on it) and I'm getting ready to sync the carbs, but was hoping for some info on the procedure. I figured there'd be an old post with instructions but can't seem to find it. If anyone has a link, or can give me the quick and dirty on it, lemme know. Thanks.
  25. uncledj
    Wow, if that's what my '87 looks like with the fairings off, I'll leave them on. LOL ....and to be serious.......considering the cost....you just can't beat these first gen's for looks, reliability, power and overall utility. Go ahead and spend the big bucks to get yourself a hardley davidson, I'll keep my first gen.
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