Well, I can finally "officially" say that she is awake & running.
First startup sputtered for about 20-30 seconds while the fuel started flowing. After that, she was running like new (not that I would know what that feels like). At this point I am so happy I had got the cam gears in properly you guys. You should have seen my face...
Checked oil level again, it was low but still in the hash marks after first startup. Assuming this is because the bottom end was drained dry when I had the cam cover off. Topped it up, went for a little 2km (+/-) test ride to my brothers house to look things over again. Found a few things (that's why we test ride lol). I set the chain tensioner bolt but forgot to tighten the nut that locks it into place . Tightened that up there. There was also a little bit of oil leaking from the front rocker box. This was the whole reason I had >started< this journey in the first place. I had read that the seals can take a heat cycle to seat correctly so I decided to wipe the oil off and keep on keepin' on, so to speak.
Took her for roughly a 10-15km cruise down a few country roads, and then back to home to look over things again. Now back in the garage, looking at the rocker box, it appears that the oil has stopped leaking. Thank the good Lord. This to me feels like a job well done. Rockers are sealed, cams are in correctly, not a screw left behind. Started this "small" job July 6 2018 and finished June 26 2019. My "winter project" somehow turned into a year. Guess I can say I'm wiser for it.
Spent the next 3 hours cleaning and detailing, most of that was spent on polishing the spokes. Once she was somewhat presentable, I headed out for a 45km round trip. Stopped at the gas station quick to fuel up with some 94oct.
2 seperate guys came up to compliment the bike. After spending a year doing discreet aesthetic mods, this was a pretty good boost to my ego. Said "Thank you" and ventured out.
The ride went flawless. Fast forward to today > Commuted in this morning on the OCD Sportster.
Life is Good.
Will get some better pics a little later on.
Last edited by johnny_bravo00; 06-27-2019 at 11:14 AM.
Heard a weird noise this morning riding into work. Only noticed the noise when the bike would be decelerating. Long story short. After doing a walkaround noticed the belt has a little too much play and was rubbing the sprocket cover during decel. I put lowering brackets on the bike while it was apart, must not have tightened it up enough.
06-27-2019, 09:24 AM
. Tightened that up there. There was also a little bit of oil leaking from the front rocker box. This was the whole reason I had >started< this journey in the first place. I had read that the seals can take a heat cycle to seat correctly so I decided to wipe the oil off and keep on keepin' on, so to speak.
