Topic: The SOHC4 Nugget Thread

[big bad bob dog]

best nugget handed to me,

"never work on a bike with out a rag by your side"

[Cuts Crooked]

When changing to pods, or 4 -1 exhaust systems, make sure the bike is in perfect tune and running good BEFORE you make the change. Then it will be easier to find the right combination of jets/needle settings for the best performance.

...and change ONE THING AT A TIME, and test it before you make the next adjustment/change. Otherwise you just end up chasing adjustments all over the place.......on and on adfinitum.

[Hopper]

Get one of those hydraulic lift-up bike work benches and put your bike on it for any work you are doing.
Makes working on just about any part of the bike soooo much easier, specially for those of us whose knees seem to get creakier every year.

You can adjust the bench height to comfortably stand next to the  bike and work, or even so you can sit in a chair and spin wrenches.
It means all your concentration and energy is going into the job in hand, not into performing contortions.

Best 500 bucks I ever spent in the workshop was that bench.

[trueblue]

Always ensure the side stand is down before trying to rest the bike on it. It's amazing how heavy a 650 can be when you are trying to stop the freshly polished side cover from landing on that rock that is sitting up out of the ground in just the right spot to crack it wide open.  Now one from my grandfather, ensure the side stand is down before lifting your feet up onto the foot pegs to roll a smoke because 40km is a long way to ride home with a broken collar bone, and bruised ego.

[Kong]

Stainless fasteners get anti-sieze, all others get Lock-tite.  Blue Lock-tite for general use, red for those fasteners that you don't expect to ever have to remove again (high heat required for removal).

[flybox1]

FINDING A SHORT (when your main fuse constantly blows)  credit to OldSchool-IsCool and Frostyboy

OldSchool_IsCool 
"To keep from blowing your paycheck on fuses, put a 12v light bulb across the fuse holder.  While the light glows brightly, the short is active. 

Now, start wiggling wire and unplugging connectors.  When the bulb goes dim or out, you are getting closer to your short."


Frostyboy 
"It may be easier for you if you don't have to replace the fuse every time it pops.
Remove the fuse and hook up at least a 21w bulb across the fuse holder, even a head light bulb if you like.  If a short is present the light will glow. Move the wiring, turn the bars until the light goes out, that might narrow the search field for you."

[DH]

the smallest o ring that comes with each oil filer kit is also used in several other areas of the bike.they can be used several times on the filter bolt during subsequent oil chainges, while you save the other new ones you procure from new kits..........same rings seal e oil pump and oil lines flanges in the 750

[gnarlycharlie4u]

Any time you have to pull the motor, it's probably going to be worse than you thought.
Optimism is good, but no substitute for preparedness.

[trueblue]

If you want to fix something, first of all, understand it, learn how it works and what it is supposed to do, if you do not understand it your chance of failure is high.

[gnarlycharlie4u]

If you want to fix something, first of all, understand it, learn how it works and what it is supposed to do, if you do not understand it your chance of failure is high.

what better way to learn something than taking it completely apart?

[Magpie]

if you're really p----d off and frustrated because it's just not going together and you want to throw something, put the tools down, cover it up and slowly back away. It will patiently wait it out until you're ready again.
Cliff.

[gnarlycharlie4u]

if you're really p----d off and frustrated because it's just not going together and you want to throw something, put the tools down, cover it up and slowly back away. It will patiently wait it out until you're ready again.
Cliff.

no worries, I have a dart board with a magnetized plate below it.

let the tools fly.

[BobbyR]

When eating road food, always carry some baby wipes.

[Sparked]

It always helps to have another bike to ride so that you won't cut corners on your project bike.

+1

[Coyote13]

It always helps to have another bike to ride so that you won't cut corners on your project bike.

+1

+2, only don't get the two confused!!!

[Opposedsix]

WD-40 was not developed to be a lubricant . It was developed to be a water displacement.  Hence the name-WATER DISPLACEMENT  # 40 FORMULA  ( WD-40 )

Amazing how many people don't actually know this fact...

[Sparked]

I forgot about Bell Bottoms getting hooked on the kick starter.

Isn't that the reason why they put an electric start on a motorcycle in the first place, so one could be fashionable while riding?

[BobbyR]

Always keep a bottle of Lamp Oil in your shop. Kerosene is an amazing degreaser. Leaves a slight film to prevent rusting.

[jasonk]

My late father handed this little gem down to me, "You never have enough money to do it right the first time, but you always have enough money to do it right the second time".

[thirsty 1]

Original scent Pin-Sol floor cleaner is the best carb soak I've ever used. Mix 50/50 with water, submerge diassm. carbs over night and rinse with water and air. It's cheap and it works, and it makes your shop smell like 5th grade.
 
$12.50 a gallon at home depot

A high "E" string from a guitar works awesome for cleaning pilot jets and other small holes - .020 stainless. $1.25 at a music shop.

[FrankenFrankenstuff]

Vaseline will hold your carbs float needle in place while vertical, in place assembly is required. (Don't worry, your fuel eats the jelly)

[FrankenFrankenstuff]

My late father handed this little gem down to me, "You never have enough money to do it right the first time, but you always have enough money to do it right the second time".

We use that same line at work but about time. Everything is rush rush rush....oh wait.....do it again, I messed up.

[seanbarney41]

Vaseline will hold your carbs float needle in place while vertical, in place assembly is required. (Don't worry, your fuel eats the jelly)

damn, that's a good one! ...too bad I have already mastered the art of "hold needle in seat with pinky finger, put float in place with other hand, pull pinky out and slide float pin in-fu"

[taggat]

Real hot rods dont leak oil, they mark their terrority.

When bleeding disc brakes and you just cant get them firm, try pumping fluid through the caliper itself, the air will be pushed up to the reservoir.

[joe p]

Never time your cam after a few beer.