That is really cool.

 

FL54, one wuld think that if it were from water that there would be noticeable rust on the steel components of some sort (tranny sprocket, bearings, needles.

Regarding the use of kerosene, never heard of that but I would have to ask around.

And to my knowledge Belmont (along the ECR) has never been under water (as far back as the early 50s anyway).

You haven't said what type of gaskets you are going to use for the reassembly, but I have switched to Cometic. Did it for the 49 pan as well as the shovels. Couldn't be happier. Like the idea of metal type gaskets over the paper/fiber stuff. So far no leaks on any. When I start on the 65 I am going to use Cometci on that motor as well. Just an idea to consider.

Keep us posted on the build and throw in some pics as well.

 

It is extremely rare to find someone who is both honest and competent.

 

That is an absolute truth! Only had two people ever do motor work on my bikes. One just passed away at age 94. (He forgot more that I could ever learn from him.) The other is a young guy (about 40) who had been doing the work for about the last 10 years (he was recommended by the first wrench).

Honest, competent, reliable and takes the time to show you what needs to be done. Gives me parts as his cost, adn just charges for labor. I have a lift so I can strip down the bikes and just give him the motor complete, if required, or parts that I need machined. Think he appreciates that it is bench work rather than a complete tear down.

Good indies are hard to find.

 

Roger that Panz on all points. The bike doesn't have any rust to speak of. I don't think the waterline happened at the dealer. Maybe it was up in the Sacramento, Yuba City area at some point when it flooded.
I was just trying to confirm the kerosene, diesel, storing while overseas theory.
The motor is at the Indy's shop and I brought the chassis home to conserve space at his shop. Will keep posted as progress dictates.

 

The aluminum is porous,and the oil soaked in. looking at the pics,the lower part is all darker then the part above the line. If it was from condensation/water it would be pitted along that line. The water floats to the top of the oil,along with other contaminates. I just worked on a 1967 that WAS in a flood. Then sat a year or so. All the shafts and bearings were destroyed. The worst corrosion was right along that line. It is kind of hard to describe the slimy mess that the water/oil mixture became. Especially the primary. Great pics to show folks why you should store your bike with fresh oil,And not start it until you can ride it.

 

It did sit for long periods on several occasions. The cylinder walls had several distinct ring markings from sitting for a long time.