Preparation

So it begins. I am preparing to take out the engine. This includes disconnecting things, draining things, and umm… blessing things. I don’t know if this is really preparation, because it’s actually listed as part of the process. Whatever, I’m taking it out to rebuild it. With a trusty Clymers by my side, what can go wrong?

Step 1: Disconnecting the battery



Step 2: Taking off the seat. (Notice the gas tank in the pic)



Step 3: Taking off the gas tank. These steps took no time at, everything seems so easy. Look at that tank what a beauty.




Step 4: Taking off the exhaust. This is where my nigthtmare begins. So the exhaust is supposed to be in three sections - muffler, converter, and pipes- that you take apart individually. However, the mufflers were rusted to the converter. Taking the pipes off of the converter is not a big deal but with the mufflers still attached it was a chore. So I disconnected everything as one piece then took the pipes out of the converter. The muffler on the right side is postioned perfectly between the foot brake and the frame so it was a tight fit. I ended up having to take off the mount and finessing the thing out. After that was done the floor looked like what I imagine the surface of mars to look like- rust colored crap.




Step 5: Draining the radiator. First I had to take off the radiator shroud before I could drain it. This was not too hard except that the horn was in the way. I think it was relocated. Either way I had to move it. I was careful when removing the drain plug because I didn't know how fast it would come out. Check out that action shot! Dang that fluid is really moving.



Here's a look at the bike so far.