When you're done shooting high pressure water at it, and it won't start, you'll have a time figuring out what got wet. IF that happens.
I would not aim a pressure wand at any seals. Including the oring on the clutch arm.
Against all the instructions I always leave engines running when I start hosing them off. That way if it stumbles or dies I know what I was getting wet when it happened. Remember to jack up the sidestand enough to keep the cam oiling and don't piddle around if you go that way.
The engine degreaser might be a good idea, but I don't know what it would do to the clear coat.
Some Dawn dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle, let it soak, a waterhose rinse, repeat, might be a good answer.
I migrate tired home and kitchen brushes to the shop. A brush that fits glasses is handy, toothbrushes are great for the fins.

Thanks for the kind words.
Remember to spot test before giving it a big dose.

Washed the engine a bit to get some grime off and took a few short videos to give you guys an idea of how she's running. There's a tick in one of the videos. I was holding her up for two of them, on the kick stand for one. Some of the smoke is probably steam, but the one by the exhaust port is what I mentioned the other day. It was smoking. Gut says head plug. I'm hoping it ain't. There's a rattle as well.

https://youtu.be/W_83_-lsFjo

https://youtu.be/DaR2RPYt9Mw

https://youtu.be/bRc0FDkbAzc

Also I had a muffler shop prep the muffler to fit on the bike. We overlooked the angle on the stock muffler, annnnd.. I'm going back to have him make an adapter for that.  

Here's how she's sitting now, crappy header wrap job and all. Finally cleared some space in the garage.  

ohiomoto wrote on 03/04/19 at 04:23:34:


Does the header look eskew? I'll double check it anyway.

Replacement head plug ordered. Is red or copper rtv recommended for sealing the cover? I gotta say, I've read some of the resources on this fix and while I feel confident I can get the job done, it's a little unnerving as I've never torn a motorcycle engine apart or done valves. It can all be done on the bike correct? Anything to adjust after getting it all back together?I don't have to drain the oil to do the job I'm sure, or will I? Logic says its sitting down low.

justin_o_guy2 wrote on 03/04/19 at 20:28:34:


Pencil thin bead of sealant, correct? Also, the clearance statement refers to setting/adjusting the valves correct? I was reading up on Verslagen's(I believe) write up concerning valves. It seems simple enough.  

Little bit of an update on the muffler progress. Stopped by the shop on my way home from work and went "I told you so.  " The guy was more than happy to grab a piece of tubing and ask what degree bend is needed and how long to make either end. I had him leave one end long so that we may shorten it later. The tube is maybe 4-6" long so I might have him chop enough to just fit it on the header. Test fitted and I kinda like the length after seeing it, kinda feel like it needs 2" off. What do y'all think?

Little update to mention I'm still alive. Life got in the way and I couldn't work on the bike for a little while. Still haven't adjusted the valves. I need to do brakes on the car then get back to the bike.

A buddy dropped off a spare dinky emgo muffler he didn't need that he had repacked with ceramic packing. I don't think I'll use it, but hey, free parts! He claims it didn't sound that loud on his Indian, though I'm skeptical.

Y'all ain't kidding about how tight it is to get the valves adjusted. My fat, amateur hands are an obstacle.

Things left to do:
Adjust valves.
Fit muffler.
Clean/rejet carb
Enjoy the Cali sun on two wheels.

Little update. I adjusted valves over the weekend. Found TDC by watching the intake valves open and feeling the weight on the piston shaft(terminology?) drop down as soon as the valves closed, and lined up the notches in the inspection port. Adjusted them so that .005 had a fair bit of friction to go in, but .004 went in and moved with a little less friction. Should be somewhere between the two now.

Fitted the dinky emgo after repacking with ceramic and what a waste pf packing. Without muffler the bike sounded deep and angry. With what I'm assuming the 1" ID emgo baffle has there was a nasty, loud as my ex blatty sound. I was going to install the cone engineering, but the muffler guy for whatever reason expanded the adapter. I fear there's too much slop now to make an airtight seal. Welp, I'll chop off the adapter later and keep the cone engineering for another project.

"I should've listened to the wiser gentlemen.." said Joey rather sheepishly as he sourced a Dyna muffler, which was a steal and will soon arrive.