Recent content by alastairuk

Usually when there's a spark issue I just immediately replace spark plugs, because they're like $3 and require minimum effort to replace. Then check you're battery has a charge with a mutli-meter, and that the battery is charging when the bike is running. Then check the points maybe. If those...

Figured out the bolts were for the gas tank, and the other is for the tachometer cable. Engine is back in the frame and I just need a final rebuild of the carburetors and the petcock and this thing should be ready to run.

I grew up in Scotland so anything above 70 and I start to melt. I did all the work myself, but all I really did was take it apart and replace and clean parts, I don't do any machining or anything that requires any kind of skill. Most of the places around Portland are going to over charge you...

I think one is for the gas tank, the points cover bolts are accounted for so its not one of those. The airbox and carburetor parts were stored separately from the engine, so I don't think the other is related to those, but ill have to check. Currently dealing with a heatwave, so working on the...

I managed to get replacements for the oil pressure and the neutral switch wires which I think will work. Still no idea where the two bolts from the picture go. If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate the help. They were in the bag I had the bolts for the points in, but I don't think they're...

I've most finished my 79 SOHC engine rebuild and I've found two bits that I'm not sure where they belong, hoping I haven't missed anything important and was wondering if anyone can identify them. I also need replacements for the tiny bolts that hold the wires for the neutral switch and oil...

Yeah, that's what I figured. Thanks for the info, I think I'm finally ready to start putting this baby back together.

So I measured the main bearings I think that's what they are called, between the shaft and the case and they were within spec. Is there any way to measure the bearings between the con rods and the shaft without removing them?, does that even relate to the damage?

I believe the cylinder sleeve rests on that notch. However none of the piston sleeves, pistons or any part of the crankshaft is noticeably worn, which made me wonder if it was something leaking out of the combustion chamber.

After a busy holiday season I'm finally getting back into rebuilding my xs400 engine. I noticed in cleaning that there is damage on the the upper crankcase half at the point just below one of the cylinders. I'm adding a picture in the hope someone can identify the cause. I was wondering if it...

If you're talking about the cylinder barrels, I had a similar issue. I smacked it around with a mallet to no success, then I sprayed the pistons with wd-40 and turned the engine over by hand before leaving the engine sitting upside down for a day or two. Then I just secured the base and...

The clutch probably doesn't need replaced, the previous owner thought it needed replaced even though I had no issues with it. The bike has around 16k miles on it if I remember correctly. I'm mostly just doing it because I can. As for sprockets I see a few people change the sizes for lower...

Hi, I recently bought a 1979 XS400, with the plan to turn it into somewhat of a scrambler build. My daily ride is a Honda 1975 CB550, so this project is mainly to get my hands dirty and learn a little about motorcycles along the way, with the hope that i'll end up with something fun to ride on...

I'm new to this forum, and hoping to start learning to ride bikes soon. So Hello, and nice to meet you. I was looking at craigslist and other sites for cheap bikes to learn on, and came across an XS400, well two actually. According to the offer one engine is broken, and it seems like he was...