mcferreira100

Got primer on the frame today but not happy. Its a new primer I used, as my usual one was out of stock..this one has a resin base. As you can see the top coat is having some sorta reaction with it. Been fiddling all day and it looks like I`ll have to wet sand first coat down then it gets better..lots of extra work.

Almost done wire brushing and sanding on the frame..this must be the worst job on the bike. Started assembly on steering head Started doing some metal polishing. I normally just give all bolts and washers a lick of paint..but think will just polish everything this time. Had a spare gasket kit from the previous bikes. Will come in handy now.

Well engine going in on Monday..must say, will be nice to have one DT with new crank bearings and seals..shudnt have any idling problems with this one.

Maybe shud try sum fuel down plug hole.

Yep..I did squirt quite bit of oil in there and kicked it over plenty times to lubricate things. Also tried quickstart into carb intake.

Friend honed the cylinder for me so long. Thinking of rather just splitting the motor and doing it properly as further flushing is continuously showing bits and a mechanic buddy has also advised me to rather open it..he advised not to try do it myself though.

You`re talking about this guy..my 185S. So thought I wud see if the 125 wud start..as it is getting spark. So new plug in there (plug hole was just left open which explains all the water in there)..cleaned carb..plenty gunk in there. Drained oil and put new. (plenty water came out). But no joy..so guess it has no compression.

So needed some parts so picked this up for cheap. Interested in the exhaust for the XT250..engine cover for the XL185. Non runner but still got nice clocks and most things seem to be there..so will probably be a future project.

Ok been having sleepless nights over this..but benefits of having 3 DT`s. I think I am going to swop the 1980 DT engine with this one as the 78`s cylinder is already bored out to maximum and the its the one I will definitely want to keep. Can I take it both these bikes carbs and electricals the same?

Whew..this is the dirtiest one I`ve had yet.

So today the shock decided to pee out all its oil. So now just riding on the spring..no damping (gets pretty bouncy). Can these monoshocks be repaired?

Just down the road to shops and friends. They all just move around the pot here pretty much. So I`m never out for long unless missus is home. Just DT on far left don`t go out much as it has extreme offroad tyres on..and needs new battery (it blew its clock lights on startup the other day).

Will often use 2 bikes in a day so they all get out frequently.

What is this bracket on the sidestand?..other DT`s don`t have it..it looks like an RD centrestand bracket. Is it original to the bike? Also had enough of too short sidestands so thinking of extending this one a little longer.

I believe in always closing the petcock after bike has idled couple of seconds..but don`t let the carb run empty or it just makes next start more difficult. Never heard of rocking a bike..just move the piston past compression with the kickstart. I start my XT500 without decompression lever (as my cable is knackered) by pushing just past compression then a good solid kick always gets it going (stay away from the throttle).

Oh yes you wanted my address Slice..you will find me at 10 Downing St. London

Fgot to mention I keep the house surrounded by our Cape Cobra snakes. Highly poisonous..lost two dogs to them already.

Funny..someone else mentioned the same thing to me. Fortunately I seldom go out...stand guard around here most days.

Was riding the XT500 yesterday..went passed a guy on a scooter. When I pulled into my driveway I noticed he had pulled in behind me. He started raving about my XT and how he used to own an XL500. Then I opened the garage and he saw the other bikes and his jaw dropped. Spent about an hour in my garage taking pics and chatting. Now he wants to bring a friend over to come see them. He even reckoned I should charge people to come look. Naturally he asked if any for sale..I said not at the moment..garage not full enough. Great feeling..never had that with any new bikes. Chuffed with this collection..they all start easy..electrics all working, and are running nicely. Once the 3rd DT finished will get them all outside for a pic. Gonna be a squeeze getting another bike lined up in there.

By the way counted 22 balls on top and 19 on bottom so all bearings are there.

Well its pretty much stripped now. Let the cleaning begin. Cleaned up steering head ball bearings Shocks are ok..just going to metal polish

Hey Paul Do I really have a choice? Its obviously the right thing to do and would like to do it myself to learn how it all goes together. But I have never stripped any engine before (welder by trade). Been going thru the procedures in the manual and some steps don`t seem to cover what`s required in enough detail for my experience..not to mention some specialist tools reqd. Will probably end up having to buy and borrow tools and take the plunge. Got a buddy that works on old Jawas and Moto Guzzis who could help me (he has a flywheel puller although I`m not sure if it will fit this bike).

The manual shows a case separating tool..is this required?

Thanks guys, I appreciate your concern..and I do agree with you. But you must know you`re talking to an idiot who tried to hammer out the front axle shaft without realizing there`s a collar under one fork holding it in place..(different to the first DT I did with leading forks))luckily I realized it before hammering too hard on the castle nut. If I attempt splitting this engine myself I WILL cock something up and end up with leaks, gears not shifting, clutch not working properly or who knows what (even following the manual)...not to mention I don`t have tools like flywheel pullers, dial gauges etc..don`t even own a torque wrench). If I had one of you knowledgeable blokes here to guide me I would do it no question. The guy who did a great job of rebuilding my RD engine assures me it should be fine. Will get one more opinion though from another friend of mine who if he has time, might be able to help me split it (he did the hone job on the first DT and fitted new piston and rings for me..and he has the tools..even a parts washer setup).

Standard air filter. Rotated crank briskly with fuel in there then turned engine upside down a few times. Now it feels smooth as silk after oiling it again. Plenty crap came out, so not going to split it...lets see how we go. Replacing small end and piston and rings. Will take waterpaper over the bore and also flush with fuel to get crap out the ports. Then skim the head on waterpaper on some glass. Learned something interesting..it was pointed out to me if u can see a sort of flower insignia inside the piston..then its cheap crap..stay way.