.....apparently, although I dont spose I'll be thinking that when I get the bill!
As it was hosing down yesterday morning it seemed like a good time to lavish a spot of TLC on the bike. Changed oil and filters, finally got round to replacing the kickstart shaft seal that had been weeping for months. Also decided it was time to replace the water pump seals which have also been weeping for months - not because they suddenly got worse or anything, just cos I bought them ages ago and hadnt got round to fitting them. Anyway, this is where the problems start. I sheared one of the 4 bolts that hold the water pump cover on. No problem, quick call to Justin at Wheeldon, he said bring it down, he'd get it out for me. I left itwith him, he said he'd have a bash at it this morning. Went down there this afternoon, hopefully to collect it, to be met with "You've got a few problems, mate". Couldnt get the stump of the stud out, so its got to be spark eroded out, which is a head off job. So he took the head off, and disovered the most worn set of inlet valves he's ever seen, so he says.
And that is where the blessing comes in - both inlets were possibly moments away from letting go altogether, resulting in them dropping into the combustion chamber and doing all manner of expensive damage. Both he and Andrew S said they'd never seen a set quite as bad as mine - something to be proud of!!!! So if I hadnt decided yesterday to fix the water pump seals, and I hadnt managed to snap one of the bolts, and if Justin had managed to get the broken bit out of the head , then I would have definately had a terminal valve failure with lots of very expensive damage.
He's got inlet valves coming, the broken bolt is being spark eroded and they are trying to get the valve seats reprofiled at short notice. But if they cant then thats why I might not have a bike to ride with the Wilts lot on saturday.
Those edges are wafer thin and razor sharp. My KTM has done very nearly 9000 miles - apparently that is high mileage!!!!!!
An entry for the 'Black Museum' one thinks, that is pretty impressive. Can you estimate the hours on those valves. I recon I had about 200 hours on mine and they were nowhere near that level of wear.
At least you will have peace of mind and probably a less rattly engine when you get it back, and of course more moth space in the wallet.
The original clocks packed up with 252 hours on. Cant check the new one cos its not here, but I'd guess about another 50 maybe. ( that makes an average speed of 30mph over its life - find that hard to believe)
Thing is, it wasnt making any rattly noises, no more than normal anyway - its symptomless wear, as far as I can tell.
-- Edited by Timus on Thursday 30th of April 2009 03:06:58 PM
I wonder if it is it worth adding Millars VSP "lead replacement and octane booster" to a four strokes unleaded fuel I use it in the "vintage/classics" as valve seats are not designed for unleaded.... hope you get it fixed quickly
Blimey Tim. I think you should take those valves to 1st place in the Black Museum Hall of Infamy. Compared to them my front sprocket looks almost brand new. Perhaps we can get a film director to cast you in the lead role of his new film 'Lucky Tim' which will be a 'rollicking lampoon of trail riding 'high' life'. Perhaps there'll be room for me in the film as 'The Chief Mechanic'. Not so amazing..after all Rock Hudson always played 'manly' roles didn't he?
I hope she gets better soon, couldn't be in better hands from what I've heard. And well done Two Thumbs for offering the XR ( some people will do anything to get out of leading a ride). Bob.
All sorted, just got it back. Hats off to Justin for pulling it out of the bag in record time - thats alot of stuff to sort in a 2 days. Hard to find valves cos its an older bike, they dont break that often and no one keeps them, even harder to find a head gasket for the same reasons, and cos its a 350 ,
God knows what the bill will be like!!!
Just checked the numbers - actually 7600 miles and 330 hours. That makes it 23mph average over its life - seems a bit more realistic.
-- Edited by Timus on Friday 1st of May 2009 04:29:47 PM
Perhaps we can get a film director to cast you in the lead role of his new film 'Lucky Tim' which will be a 'rollicking lampoon of trail riding 'high' life'. Perhaps there'll be room for me in the film as 'The Chief Mechanic'.
