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uncledj

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  1. uncledj
    With 700' of driveway, I was luvin' this machine today.
  2. uncledj
    SEUDAR Don't worry, you won't ruffle my feathers...I enjoy a good discussion. You sound pretty up on this stuff, and I'll admit I've been out of the residential game for a while, but I've still gotta stick to my guns on advising this guy against a heat pump, in favor of a fossil fuel furnace....preferably natural gas, if not available then propane, but not too sure I'd want fuel oil....STINKY AND DIRTY..... I'm sure that you're right that the COP on the new equipment is much better at lower temps, but I can't help but to think it's unhealthy for the outdoor unit to run at those low temps., especially considering that the lower COP at the lower temps would require longer run times. I don't think the COP applies to fossil fuels, but it's easy to argue that a propane furnace (and certainly a natural gas furnace) would provide more heat and reliability for less cost than an all electric system, although I'd imagine the heat pump would fare well when the temps are up.....but even then you'd have to factor in the shortened life of the heat pump caused by excessive running hours. (As compared to a conventional A/C condensing unit) The system and installer you're speaking of sounds quite expensive, and while I've noticed that the high efficiency furnaces have become a lot more reliable over the years, I still like to keep it simple. Simplicity usually means added reliability, less initial expense, and lower repair costs when the time comes. I work for a national hvac company that only does commercial and industrial type work. I'm a service technician, so I don't have much to do with the design and install of this stuff, but my "simpler is better" attitude comes from years of working on this stuff, and seeing what works and what doesn't. As I think of it, it's been my experience that the energy savings that folks are sold on when they buy a pricey system are rarely realized. (At least that's what the majority of people seem to say a few years down the road ) I would not argue that a two stage, or modulating system with a freq. drive blower motor, and something other than electric backup would be a great system to have, at least initially, but I don't know that the original poster is looking to suggest making that kind of investment to Ma and Pa. As far as the programmable thermostat goes, the Honeywell 8000 series are pretty cool, and you can set them for "circ." mode, which kicks the blower on intermittently to offer the benefits of air circulation without requiring the blower to run constantly.....might not be as quiet as a freq. drive slowed down, but a lot cheaper. The thermostat cost would be somewhere around $160, and I'm sure any Venturerider could install it themselves, if they had you or I to advise as needed. Well,....this is turning into quite a thread....I'm enjoying it thoroughly. creds: 23+ yrs hvac tech (Field Supervisor) OH Licensed hvac contractor OH Licensed refrigeration contractor UA Building trades journeyman Licensed Med Gas Installer Licensed Backflow installer / tester RSES Certificate Mechanic (CM) Been through more classes over the years than I can remember.... Just completed the "Green Awareness" Technician training. (Just tootin' my horn a bit) And I've still got a lot to learn......but I enjoy learnin' it.
  3. uncledj
    Mostly sounds good, but the two stage system sounds expensive and potentially troublesome. I think the COP relates only to ideal operating circumstances. As the temp drops, so does the COP, which is why I like to shut them down when it starts getting cold. When the COP starts getting down below 2, I'd rather save the equipment from running in those frigid conditions. I never did like heat pumps.....and I was an Ohio Edison authorized heat pump tech.....back when I did residential work in the 90s (went through their school). I used to work on them, but I'd never own one if I could avoid it. BUT.....opinions vary.
  4. uncledj
    Heat pumps and AC condensing units are all pretty much the same. The bigger names may have a few more bells and whistles, which can end up causing more trouble than they're worth......more gadgets=more stuff to break. Living in Indiana, you're getting far enough North that it'd be questionable whether a heat pump is the best idea or not. If you do go with another HP, you should consider having a thermostat set up on it to keep it from running below ? 25 ? degrees or so, at which point you'd use only the auxiliary heat. When you go much below that, you'll start to lose the benefit of the HP, as it'll have a harder time pulling heat out of the colder air. I live in Central OH, on a rural property, where the house was all electric. I did a lot of work to the place before I moved in, and one of the things I did was to go with a propane furnace, and I couldn't be happier. It'll be a bit of an expense to have the propane run, but I think it'll be well worth it in the long run. I'd suggest a higher efficiency furnace, anything above 90% is good,....don't try to split hairs getting the absolute highest efficiency, 'cause you'll pay more and more for a smaller and smaller gain. Also, with furnaces, as well as heat pumps,....don't let the big names impress you. I've installed quite a few Payne (mfg'd by Carrier) and Goodman (I think they're made by Ruud), and have had very good luck with them. If you're really trying to save energy $, get a programmable thermostat, and set it to drop the temp as much as you can comfortably stand at night, and to set the AC up a few degrees during the day, if there's times when no one's home. Also: Very Important !....don't let them oversize the equipment. For greatest efficiency, best heating/cooling capability and equipment longevity, it's important to have a correctly sized, and maybe a little undersized system. Wow....that was quite a rant..... I've been doin' the HVAC gig for over 23 years now, although I haven't done much residential work for a while, other than moonlighting jobs. I hope this was helpful....if you have any questions, (if anyone has any questions). feel free to e-mail me at uncledjm14@yahoo.com. Best of luck. John
  5. uncledj

    History test

    uncledj replied to 6pak's topic in Watering Hole

    24, and was a bit disappointed in myself, ...but some of those questions are pretty tough.
  6. uncledj
    Pyramid seals from e-bay wouldn't work on my 87. They're about 1/16" taller than the OEMs and it made it next to impossible to get the lock ring in. After several tries I compared them to the ones I took out, and saw the problem. Got another set from Bike bandit,...they were the same size as the originals, ...went right in. That was in July, and have had no problems yet. Good luck:banana:
  7. uncledj
    Skydoc, thanks for the generous offer, I'll keep it in mind. I'm located in Central Ohio, but have a hunting cabin in North Central PA, near a little town called Emporium. Next time I take the bike over that-a-way, I may take the long way around and stop by, (with plenty of advance notice, of course). Again, thanks for the kind offer.
  8. uncledj
    I think I'll need to get a sync tool and take that as a first step. I think I have an old mercury manometer X 4 buried in the garage somewhere, but it also seems that I should pull the diaphrams just to have a look. I guess I'll put it on the winter project list......it's a long list. 69 Chevelle SS needs restored, cb900 custom needs minor restoration, garage needs built, ( Just to house the Chevelle ) wife wants the bathroom redone, need to get the old backhoe sold...and so on and so on. There's no rest for the wicked. Thanks guys (and gals? )
  9. uncledj
    I have an 87 Venture Standard, which has been running great, and still runs pretty well, but something's off a bit. It doesn't miss, and seems to run well above 3500 rpm or so, but at lower rpm levels it has a bit of a rumble, as if the carbs are out of sync, but I'm not sure. I run about a quarter can of Seafoam when I fill the gas tank, (most times), and recently replaced the spark plugs, which made no difference. All the plugs looked the same. Someone new to the bike probably wouldn't even notice it, but it's definitley there. Would this be a likely symptom of the carbs being out of sync, or the dreaded diaphragm problem, or could it be ignition? I just can't put my finger on what sort of problem it is. I figure someone here may be able to help clue me in. Thanks.
  10. uncledj
    2000 miles into it, I have no problem at all with the double spring. It is a bit stiffer, but after 15 minutes riding time, I got used to it, and now I don't even notice it. I just got home from a 300 mile ride ( To Cabela's in WV ) and clutch hand is fine. I'm not a small guy though,.. maybe someone with smaller hands wouldn't take to it as well. For what it's worth, I got my clutches and spring from Buckeye Performance. I spoke with ???? (can't remember his name now, but he was very helpful )...and he suggested using both the new and the old spring to give the extra tension. He was right. I have no regrets doubling up the spring. Bike was running a bit rough though. Performance was fine, but something was off just a bit. Couldn't put my finger on it, but that'll be for another day / another thread.
  11. uncledj
    Skydoc's DA MAN !!!
  12. uncledj
    I guess not.
  13. uncledj
    What made the difference for me was pulling and cleaning the starter. You may well find that the stator? is crudded up. Pull the starter apart and clean the stator with a scotchbrite pad, put a small dab of grease on the end of the shaft and re-install. Many suggest replacing the brushes, but I didn't see any reason to. It still turns a bit slower when it's HOT, but is significantly better than before. Takes two or three hours to do, but it was well worth it for me. (still have original battery cables) Good luck.
  14. uncledj
    I did a few upgrades to my 87 standard, and one of them was to replace the clutches, and double up the clutch spring. It sure is annoying when you have a very respectable amount of horsepower, but can't use it because of slipping clutches. The new clutches and double springs certainly cured that, but now I'm a bit worried that I'll break something else. I tend to like to "play" with the horsepower from time to time, ( when you put the juice to it it'll either smoke the tire or pull the front end ) The initial thrill is over, so I've settled down a bit, but I wonder how strong the driveline is. Just curious. Everything seems fine, but I'd hate to screw up the rear diff, or tranny. Anyone have any input? 87 Venture Standard 85 Honda Nighthawk 700s 82 Honda 900 custom (resto. project) [ATTACH]35292[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]35293[/ATTACH]
  15. uncledj
    Howdy. I just followed the thread through to find that I am (was) one of the few who hadn't paid. Sorry for the wait, I didn't know. In any case the moola is on the way. (Paypal) Thanks for putting this together.
  16. uncledj
    First of all, 'cause I don't have one. I proudly have a first gen, and wouldn't have it any other way. Second of all, I had to drive 2 1/2 hours each way to pick up a set of seats for my '69 Chevelle, then when I got home, I began the wonderful task of changing out the gravel in my dogs (3) poo-pen. I was hoping for a ride tomorrow, but I'll have to see what kind of shape I'm in tomorrow after shoveling the 4 tons of new gravel. I probably already know the answer. Oh well, I put 900 great miles on her last weekend, mostly back roads. ....:confused24:Sigh.....
  17. uncledj
    I also got a set of floorboads, but am missing the spacers. I also got them off a member last fall,...got them re chromed, but when I went to install them I only then realized the spacers were missing. I planned on attacking this issue again this winter, but if I can get a set made to exact specs, it'd make it a lot easier. If you're up to it, I'd REALLY APPRECIATE you making me a set. If you can do it, please lemme know. Shoot me an e-mail if you're up to it. ( would require 4 spacers, 2 for each side ) Thanks, and have a great day ! John Sheehn uncledjm14@yahoo.com
  18. uncledj
    Bongobobny may be right, (he's right about how to test it), but the white stuff you're seeing shouldn't have much use as an indicator. Usually when a capacitor goes bad, there's a spot on top that'll pop out. I'm guessing that your cap is black, round....in that case, there'll be a hole in the plastic top about ? 1/4 ? or so that should be visibly blown out, and if it'll leak anything, it'll be oil. It's been a while since I've had to work on well pumps, I'm actually an HVAC technician, but feel free to call me if you want me to help walk you through it. John 614 595 2046
  19. uncledj
    :think:Somethin' sounds fishey. Maybe someone switched the Winchester rounds with shoddy reloads? I dunno, but I've done a lot of shooting in my day, and have never had problems with Winchester ammo. Remington shotgun shells are pretty lousy though. At the current pricing, I think I'm gonna have to set up the reloading stuff and re-acquaint myself with my old hobby. In any case, something doesn't sound right.
  20. uncledj
    I still need to do a good cleanup before I post pics, but I'll post them as soon as she's cleaned up.
  21. uncledj
    I tore down my first gen (87) to do some overdue maintenence, and finally took her out for a quick shakedown, and I must say, since I put in the new clutches and doubled up on the spring, this bike has no problem pulling the front wheel off the ground. WOW does she run! In any case I changed the clutches, changed the fork seals, upgrading to progressive springs, pulled and cleaned the starter, replaced the fuseblock, upgrading to atc fuses, added auxilliary driving lights, installed "highway" floorboards way up front, stripped, polished and clearcoated the engine covers, replaced front brakes, yanked the cheesy am fm cassette and cb that the last owner had installed, (don't plan on using them) Installed a pretty cool GPS with MP3 capability, installed a OEM trunk luggage rack, (it's a standard, so it didn't have one), and repaired the broken tabs on the bodywork. So now, with the riding season more than half over, I'm ready to start riding again, and I'm excited. I do HVAC work, so I'm usually pretty busy from May until about now, so I usually don't have much time to ride in the best part of Summer anyway, but I'll try to make up for it over the next month or two. I'm really pleased with how this bike runs. I only bought it this time last year, after researching the older "heavy" bikes, and decided that the Venture was the bike for me because it was generally accepted that it had more power and better handling than the GW, and I think I made a wise choice. I'm not into all the fancy schmancy stuff anyway, I just wanted a bike that the wife would be comfortable on the back of.....she never liked riding on the back of my Nighthawk, but now I think I'll like riding this more than my beloved 85 Nighthawk cb700sc. Just wanted to share my excitement, thanks for your attention.
  22. uncledj
    Lemme know if you can't find one. I just took the CB out of my first gen, but hadn't planned on selling it. If you can't find one elsewhere, let me know, I may be willing to help a brother out.
  23. uncledj
    I'm in.
  24. uncledj
    I tore down the front shocks on my 87 Standard to replace the leaking fork seals. I had a heck of a time trying to get the wire retainer ring back in place. (just beneath the dust seal)...It seemed that I couldn't get either the top bushing or the seal to seat down far enough to leave room for the retainer wire. I pulled it apart again ( a few times ) to figure why they wouldn't seat far enough, until I got smart and compared the new seal to the old one, and found that the Pyramid brand seal was about 1/16" taller than the old one, which was just enough to keep the retainer wire from going in. I got another set from Bikebandit, which matched the originals perfectly, and the darn thing went right together. I got the Pyramid (green package) from e-bay. They looked good, but the little bit of added height was a killer. Hope this helps someone avoid the cornfusion I went through.
  25. uncledj
    I feel for ya. It's just that kind of stuff that made me move away from Columbus. (OH) I have a bit of a commute, but my drive's 750' long...can't see the house from the road. I rarely feel a need to lock up, but sometimes still do. There's not too many urban areas where I'd feel secure these days. It's really sad that many of us feel the only answer is to get away, but what else can ya do? We've all had things stolen, and it makes you feel violated, but this too will pass. Best of luck to you.
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