Recent content by Old Okie

We have a '78 XS400 with a disc rear brake. The rear brake has started locking-up occasionally. Seems like the MC does not bleed back after the brake is released. I am sure the problem is the MC because I can release the brake by loosening the bleeder screw. Is there a MC available or a kit for...

Do these bolts really need thread locker???? I put some gasket sealer on them and that is all. All he pounding and hammering could damage the fork,maybe. I thought drilling the head off the bolt was my best bet. The torx is a good idea, I'll keep that in my book of possible solutions for...

I am about 100 miles or so from Tulsa, my son and his family live in south Tulsa,just east of the river and south of the new turnpike. I would say I have had a good 75 years, I am fat, sassy and fairly healthy. We have raised 4 kids who are doing well. I am not as strong as I was and riding...

I am sure that you can find a rotor somewhere on this forum. The front brake is 70% of your braking, the rear may work but is not enough in an emergency. I believe that the rotor from several models will fit these bikes. I would hate for you to get hurt because the bike had none or a poor front...

I got lucky on the '78 XS400E I fixed up for a friend, I doubt that the front brake had ever been used but the rear disk/rotor was a total loss. The rear wheel on the bike was bent, I found a wheel at a salvage yard with a very good brake rotor, I guess that was lucky for me. Forum members...

The problem with doing the rotors on a lathe is, the metal in the rotor is really hard and the rotor is somewhat flexible. When you put the cutting tool to the rotor, the rotor leans way from the tool. I took my rotor to a good machine shop and this was their story. They recommended I take it to...

A lathe probably will not work on these brake disks. The metal is so hard that it will run away from the cutting tool. They can be resurfaced on a milling machine, I have had some done. Cost about $40.00 for both sides and it worked pretty well. My disk is slightly below the minimum thickness...

I have the same problem with a XS400 I am working on for a friend. Only one bole stripped and not completely stripped. So far it is holding. Also one bolt is stripped on the left engine case but it is a top bolt and does not leak. I removed the sump cover to drain the oil.because I can not get...

It is the bolt that is hidden by the axle when the axle is installed. Allen head bolt with a copper washer. I think it has a 6mm allen head. On my project the drain bolt was rusty and I chose not to molest it, I do not get along well with rusty bolts or screws.

One more thing, everyone probably knows, I may be the last to figure it out. If the bolt in the bottom of the fork is damaged or can not be removed by normal methods, you can drill it out without damage to the fork slider. Use a bit the same size as the stuck bolt and drill the head off the...

Still working on the '78 XS400E. The last thing is fork seals, finished that today. I searched for seals for the XS400 and found none. No dust boots either. I measured the fork tubes and ordered seals and boots for a Honda CX500, 1978/79 model. The seals and boots worked perfect. The Yamaha...

Out of the frying pan and into the fire..... I totally cleaned the starter motor and lubed the planetary gears, put it back on the bike and it sounded good...for a while. Now the starter is locked and I do not know why. I think the grease in the planetary will not let the gears move freely...

Due to a noisy starter motor I am cleaning the starter motor parts inside the motor. It was very dirty and full of junk. My question....the starter motor has a planetary gear in the drive part. What should I lubricate the planetary gears with??? I do not see a lot of wear inside the starter...

I assume they have the correct threads for a Yamaha, if so I will take them.

I will take the front master cylinder. How do we arrange the sale and delivery?? My e-mail is gmcgarvin at pldi dot net. I do PayPal if that will work. Also I need a working or rebuild able petcock for the '78 XS400E. This project has gone on much too long. Is there a left side light switch...