Hi,
As some of you will know, I'm having to take my RD04 to pieces to change a collapsed countershaft bearing, so, as promised, here's how it's going. First off, a little background.
One day, a few years ago, I became aware that my rear brake was no longer working ... in true style, I pushed on with my journey without giving it too much thought. On arriving home, I became aware that my left leg was covered with oil, as well as the bike. This turned out to be coming from a failed oil seal inboard of the front sprocket.
Not being so mechanically minded in those days, the bike was duly sent off to the local dealer for the requisite surgery - 'uh oh', said the mechanic, 'you need a new bearing too - that's an engine out, engine apart, and gearbox apart job' - estimated to cost aroun £2,000. Not best pleased, the bike was sent back home in disgrace, where it propped up a side wall for the next 2 years.
Anyway, having got fed up with it sitting about being useless, I've decided to get on with the job myself.
So far then:
1) Do not leave your bike outside for 2 years - it becomes a complete sod to move.
2) leaving bike outside for 2 years does not do much good for the nuts and bolts.
3) Finally managed to get side rear offside panel off - nearside still won't undo, so I might feel the need to use the drill.
4) side panels and fuel tank off
5) Carbs off - had to break the retaining clips, as these were seized. Complete sod to squeeze between engine and frame without completely destroying the paintwor.
5) Exhaust eventually off - one bolt on the front pipe required removal with a hammer and cold chisel - strangely satisfying
6) Oil out, coolant out, horn off, and anything else that I could get to off.
7) Tea.
Next job will be to remove the swingarm, then the engine will be ready to come out (I think). Tricky part this (ie how to keep the bike upright with no centrestand and no rear wheel - bear in mind that you need to have access to the bottom of the engine, so beaching it is not an option) - Health and Safety guidelines are definately not in force in my garage.
Next update next week.
As some of you will know, I'm having to take my RD04 to pieces to change a collapsed countershaft bearing, so, as promised, here's how it's going. First off, a little background.
One day, a few years ago, I became aware that my rear brake was no longer working ... in true style, I pushed on with my journey without giving it too much thought. On arriving home, I became aware that my left leg was covered with oil, as well as the bike. This turned out to be coming from a failed oil seal inboard of the front sprocket.
Not being so mechanically minded in those days, the bike was duly sent off to the local dealer for the requisite surgery - 'uh oh', said the mechanic, 'you need a new bearing too - that's an engine out, engine apart, and gearbox apart job' - estimated to cost aroun £2,000. Not best pleased, the bike was sent back home in disgrace, where it propped up a side wall for the next 2 years.
Anyway, having got fed up with it sitting about being useless, I've decided to get on with the job myself.
So far then:
1) Do not leave your bike outside for 2 years - it becomes a complete sod to move.
2) leaving bike outside for 2 years does not do much good for the nuts and bolts.
3) Finally managed to get side rear offside panel off - nearside still won't undo, so I might feel the need to use the drill.
4) side panels and fuel tank off
5) Carbs off - had to break the retaining clips, as these were seized. Complete sod to squeeze between engine and frame without completely destroying the paintwor.
5) Exhaust eventually off - one bolt on the front pipe required removal with a hammer and cold chisel - strangely satisfying
6) Oil out, coolant out, horn off, and anything else that I could get to off.
7) Tea.
Next job will be to remove the swingarm, then the engine will be ready to come out (I think). Tricky part this (ie how to keep the bike upright with no centrestand and no rear wheel - bear in mind that you need to have access to the bottom of the engine, so beaching it is not an option) - Health and Safety guidelines are definately not in force in my garage.
Next update next week.