mcferreira100

Ah ok..think those pilots ended up in the slammer for manslaughter.

Ok I see now the head gasket in 3 parts..there was still part of the gasket attached to the head. My mechanic friend came to have a look today and noticed one of the head bolts pretty rusted indicating water getting to it. He says this indicates a possible crack in the head in that area? so he reckons I might need to replace the head..not happy. Is there any other options?

Beautiful video..these guys made of stern stuff. But screw checking the fuel gauge..rather keep eyes peeled for obstructions. There was a story of an American fighter doing same sort of thing who hit a cable car cable somewhere in Europe some years back. Everyone in the cable car killed..pilots survived only to be hauled over the coals.

Seems to have a black paint finish. Can I clean the head with Acetone?

I`m wondering why is there any paint under there at all?

Head was skimmed but will check it. No overflow anything on the reservoir. It was suggested I get a copper gasket made up and overtorque the head using new bolts..but I don`t like this idea..I always try stick to manual as Cynic says..would prefer not to use sealants etc..but why did she leak with a skimmed head and new gasket?..and this guy only uses genuine Yamaha parts. Ok head off today..here`s how things look. New gasket from Yamaha You guys see anything out of the ordinary?

Ok engine guy too busy so will have to do this myself. I have the new gasket and have been advised to use gasket maker around the cylinder/piston area. Open to any advice here and will post pics once head is off.

Damn that weather looks wicked. I see a drop of rain (never mind snow) and I rather stay off the bikes.

Wow..her dimensions near perfect.

Nelson Mandela was asked if you could be re-incarnated what would you like to come back as? He replied, DOG CRAP..after 3 days in the sun you turn white.....

I fitted 19mm risers to my VTR and the cables only just made it. Helped quite a bit with the wrists.

My XT decided to start blowing only the headlight bulb. Replaced it after 100km trip and it blew again just going down the road. Am I to suspect regulator? It has been suggested I fit a 24volt bulb in there which should last. Wat you guys think?

Will go visit engine guy tomorrow..think the bike should just go to him to see what's going on and he can tune it properly for me as well. Good thing I haven't painted tank etc. yet.

That spring on the rad cap worked ok. Rad needed some water needless to say. But bad news..had a mechanic friend over and he suggested run the bike with rad cap off..we saw bubbles in the water. He reckons head must come off.

I start my XT500 with no decompression cable as its knackered (takes all my 95kg of weight to get it past compression). Always use a motocross boot on the right foot for cold start (don`t need broken ankles at my age).

Electronic ignition.

What you guys make of this plug..looking bit black? Bike has a serious midrange miss and backfiring when rolling off throttle.(sorry for crap pic)

Our famous Cape winds will blow them over in a heartbeat. Think the Carver a little sturdier looking.

Yea..now its not going back down. Gonna re-torque the head..then have a look at the radiator cap as well as check level in radiator. I`m told a car`s cap also works if I have to replace it..don`t need to pay a ridiculous price from Yamaha.

I didn't do the engine YPVS..but will re-torque the head and see how it goes. Makes sense coolant being forced out of reservoir as engine heats up.

well there`s a good tip. Will keep that in mind.

Can it be head has not been retorqued since engine overhaul? (done bout 1400km)

More power..less reliability..no getting around this tradeoff I always say.

Right hand side of the bike behind engine is full of coolant over exhaust, frame and swingarm after every ride. Today it was so much it formed small puddle under the bike while parked. Removed sidecover and notice coolant reservoir level very high..just under filler cap. So it seems it must be coming out through the cap. Question is why is it so high when after the restoration I made sure level was between high and low marks? So now do I just drain some coolant or is there something else going on. Temp gauge maintains just under halfway mark while riding in our hot temperatures. Is the reservoir cap maybe not sealing properly?

In my defense I did turn 50 3 days ago..so brain getting bit moldy.