Atomic Shovel update: I had really high hopes for today. I had a list of stuff to button up, and then we were going to move to the rear wheel and drive chain. But no. Instead I slid backward a bit. Before shit went sideways, I did get a few little things done. Anti-sieze on the plugs and got those in. Then the fuel line from the carb to the petcock – not finished yet, but I got it on the carb side.
I put the tanks on and worked on the fuel lines. And that’s when the bullshit started. The nipples for the crossover point directly at the frame which is a pain in the ass. I ended up with a cheesedick route in front of the frame. Oh well. It works.
The vent on top, however, was a different kind of bullshit completely. The left tank was fine. The right tank – nope. The vent nipple is so close to the breaker that the line won’t go on. Fuck. Fuckety fuck fuck fuck. At that point I just had to stop. I was so tired of wrestling those tanks on and off by myself that I didn’t have it in me to do it again. But that’s what I have to do.
After the fuel line struggle, I did get the petcock on, but I stopped there.
So I’ll just have to hit it harder and keep pushing till I get it done.
Tomorrow.
Atomic Shovel update: MUCH better mood tonight. Earlier today I reinstalled the air cleaner backing plate. Seemingly simple job – 5 bolts. Coach Don gave me the order of operations to the whole deal so there is no pressure on the support bracket. Groovy. Got it.
Once I fit it up though, the enrichener was a really tough pull. Like two hands tough. Whatttt? First I cleaned around the lever and oiled it. Worked it a few times. Reinstalled. Nope.
Time to call the coach. Turns out I just had to take the plunger, spring and nut off, clean the cylinder and the pieces parts, a little oil – good to go. Finally, backplate installed.
That’s all I could do till later tonight, but I got after it again. Ran the fuel line to the petcock. Then I swapped out my coil. I had ordered a new one, thinking that was the issue, but hadn’t made the swap. For a potential shitshow, that job went quite smoothly. (Thank dog…)
In a moment of humor, I found some rocket decals for my ugly-ass tanks, and those came today, so I put those on.
Then I made a couple setting changes to my ignition module under heavy supervision from coach Don.
Finally, I bit the bullet and removed the right tank. I forgot I still have some wiring to clean up – not that it is wrong, but because it is not being used since I relocated my start switch. Don feels like leaving the extra circuits on the bike could interfere with efficient starting and running. Seeing as those have been my issues, I’m down with that suggestion.
So tomorrow, clean up that wiring and button up the headlight. If my gas line arrives, I can get the vent line finished and button up the tanks Finally.
Getting closer…
Atomic Shovel update: Super productive day today. Got the unnecessary electrical wiring cleaned up and scoped out the brake situation. Front brakes are good. Rear brakes are near about shot, so new pads on order.
Fuel line came in today so that will be tomorrow’s work. I hope to get the tanks buttoned up for good. Won’t that be nice…
Ran into issues getting the beauty ring installed on the headlight, so I need to find a doodad to get that working. I can put the air cleaner on and call the carb done.
Took some time to reset, put tools away, and clean up somewhat.
Still more work, less time… we will see which runs out first – the work or the time…
And the following day…
Atomic Shovel update: Another “quick” one. Only did like two actual things but they took hours…. as per….
My fancy pants fuel line came in late yesterday, so first order of business was to get that vent line installed so I could get the tanks and dash cover done.
It took a few “let’s see how this is gonna work” tries to figure it out, but I got the vent line on. I had to leave it long and sneak it up around the speedo cable to get a clean path. Then I put the speedo back on, and the dash cover. Finally.
Then I turned my attention to buttoning up the headlight, which I started yesterday, but couldn’t finish because the little tab at the bottom that the set screw goes into was cracked, so the set screw wouldn’t stay. Coach Don suggested a speed nut. Off I went to Auto Zone or whatever, to get a speed nut. Showed the kid at the counter what I needed. No clue. He asked his boss who comes out, sees me, and looks down his nose at me and asked what I needed it for. I said it would take too long to explain – I just need this – and I showed him the photo Don had sent me yesterday. Oh boy. You’d think I just kicked him in the jewels. He got super shitty with me, talked down to me, accused me of being angry, blah blah blah blah. I’m thinking dude, if you reaaaallly want to see angry, I can do that, but I just want the fuckin speed nut so I can get the beauty ring on my headlight.
He stalks over to a display and practically throws a package at me. I specifically said for a #10 screw. This was I don’t even know… but not for a #10. So I put it back, found what I needed, and some other dude cashed me out. Super fun day at the car parts place.
But I got my speed nut. Within about 10 minutes I had the beauty ring installed. Yay.
I poked around at a few other things, but I needed to cut the grass, so that’s about it for the day.
The Atomic Shovel 