Ok, Time to Start Restoration!

Thought I'd add some Pic's before I start to tear-down the bike. I get to go back to work today after 4 weeks off so money is going to be tight. don't think I'll get to ride it before spring anyway, so why not tear-down and make sure everthing is in great condition?

These are what she looks like fully assembled.

She's got Rust on the pipes.

Looks like she had a leak.

Carbs, boots, airbox fully assembled.

Hopefully I can get this all done by the time spring comes around.

Not going to take motor apart but I'm going to make sure all bolts are tight and to spec.

It's alive! It's alive!

I couldnt wait to put the carbs back on any longer, I needed to know if the bike truly did run.
So yesturday I went out and installed the carbs back on the bike. I added just about a quart of gas to the tank and charged the battery overnight.

This morning I went out after the rain stopped and the sun came out, set the choke full and hit the switch. It started and died right out. So I set the choke about 1/4 on and hit the button again, varoooooooooooooooooooooom! It's alive, It's alive. I had it running for about 2 min then shut it off. Shut the choke off and hit the switch again, varoooooooooooom! I know the carbs need sync and the floats adjusted. I thought since it was running I should try and take it around the block. LOL I forgot how to ride, it's been 10 yrs. I stalled it twice. I think the battery is shot cause it dont stay charged. So I put the charger back on the bike, and noticed Oil leaking from the bike. Not too alarmed I searched for where and found it coming from the air box. It seams to be pushed to the airbox from the motor through a vent tube. So needless to say I got more work to do before I can even think about riding. Hopefully it's not to drastic of a fix.

Carb Cleaning

MM came over yesterday and we got started cleaning the carbs. I did more then I thought I was able to. MM started on first bowl while I made a replacement gasket. He showed me how to put the first carb back together. We decided te clean and then assemble 1 carb at a time so we didnt get parts mixed up. The clouds started coming in, (thought it was going to rain) I was praying we would get the carbs back together before it rained. Never did rain. As I said, MM showed me how to assemble the first carb after it was clean so when the second one was cleaned it was my turn to assemble. I felt like a kid in a candy store. I was excited to see everything going together piece by piece until that job was finished.

Yep, the carbs are cleaned anad assembled. The next step will be re-installing them on the bike.
I will probably do that Sunday 'cause I have a family reunion on my wifes side to go to today. I might even start on some of the cleaning of the bike too. Thanks again MM, your a true friend.

One arm doesnt get much done.

This is a videao from my cell phone.





This bike is gonna need alot of cleanin.

Dirt, grease, grime, rust, nothing a good crome polish, scoth-brite pad and elbow grease wont cure.

Man! You Gotta love a bike with dimples. LOL

Who said I was Cracked?

Started cleaning carbs today but didn't get very far. Having one arm in a sling doesn't help either but I had to keep it there for the pain was almost unbearable. so I sifted through some of the boxes I have stored in my shed to find better containers to soak the carb bowls in. I did managce to get more pics of the bike for a record of what it looked like before I started, minus the carbs. so here they are.

More Pics and work tomarrow

Getting started

Hi all. I'm RT. I just got this bike on Saturday July 11, 2009. It is the 4th bike I have owned and hopefully will enjoy for a long time.

Today I got to meet a fellow Maxim 700 XJ Rider and blogger, Mad Max-im. I call him MM. See his blog at: http://madmaxim.blogspot.com/

We started the day out with rain so things got off to a slow start. But this afternoon things dried out for a bit and we removed the carbs for cleaning.

I felt alittle helpless because I just had surgery on my left elbow for a pinched nerve, which left MM doing most of the tearddown. But I was right there watching and learning.

I do believe this is actual miles. Sorry MM, I borrowed some of the pics you took today. LOL

These are just some of the pics that MM took of
the carbs as we took them apart

This was the wost ones of the bunch but will clean up nicely

WE got a nice surprise when MM took out the air filter












Corn? And other debris left by a small furry friend. He better not be sleeping in the cylinder. LOL










Once the carbs were taken apart I put the small peices and bowls to soak overnight. MM headed home cause it looked like it was going to rain again. Tomarrow I start the process of cleaning. Thank God for muffin tins to keep things separated and in order.

I want to take this time to say:

Thank you MM. You have my respect and freindship.

More to come tomarrow after I get them carbs cleaned.