Recent content by betteron2wheels

Looks like it's time for a yearly check-in, this bike has taken on a new theme. I picked up a set of cheap hangers from a swap meet last summer and installed a set of short shocks leftover from a lowered Vulcan. Add some bags I had laying around and, instant bobber/bagger. Still working on a...

Wow, almost been a year since my last update. I pulled the XS out with the resolution to get it working and street worthy. I have pretty much decided to replace any old master cylinders with new Brembos that can be had for about $120. By the time spend the time and $$ to rebuild the old...

The Carb boots arrived and are installed, started working on front brake. Going to try to re-use the master cylinder; started disassembly using wooden shims to pry the reservoir off, worked like a charm. Got shims started under lip in 3 places (pic 1), removed 1 and used hammer to lightly tap...

I finally pulled the XS out and started work on it again. I got the stuck plug out using a spring loaded punch; the jugs were within spec after a light hone but one of the pistons needed to be replaced because the rings wouldn’t come out. Reassembled the top end over the weekend and get her to...

Thanks Chris, I need to check that it's still standard size.

XSChris, that's the plan as long as everything checks out on this engine. do you have a link for the ring-seller?

Managed to get enough slack in the chain to get the cam out. freed the pistons with atf/acetone, a wooden hammer handle and large rubber mallet and got the cylinders off. Still haven't had a chance to get the old plug out. I'm hoping I can clean the cylinders enough to hone them and reuse...

The pistons are still seized too so I'm pulling the head to remove the broken plug and see how it looks inside. Things were going well until it came time to remove the cam gear, can't rotate the engine to get at the second bolt... I got to this point and ran out of time for the night, I'll see...

Alright team, I decided to go with a CB350 for a track bike so this got parked. I finished several other projects and freed up the bench for a little while so I'm back at it with the XS. Still no joy getting the plug out after heat and cold and easy outs and plenty of cussing.

Bman66, I have never heard of using a masonry bit to remove drill hardened steel but it makes sense, and a 5 minute internet search seems to confirm it. I'm not to that point yet on the XS but I do have an old quad that has a broken ez out in it. It seems the trick is to use a drill press...

I tried with an easy out as much as I was comfortable; it's a good Snapon one too which is more reason for me to be careful. I've had one snap off and it's about impossible to drill the hardened metal they are made of. I'm also concerned about damaging the threads. I might give it one more...

The other side was not such a success. It felt the same as the other side while I was working the plug back and forth until I heard a “crunch” :banghead: . The threaded portion is still in the head; my concern is that anything I do to remove the remains with the head still on the engine could...

Partial success/failure. I got the right side plug to work loose, what a great feeling!