Urgent Help needed

[Planecrazy]

If someone can meet me on Thursday or Friday when I'm passing through the Chicago area, I can give you the nut and bolt so you have fresh parts to work with.

JP, I don't know where you'll be on Thursday or Friday relative to Buffalo Grove (northwest of the city), but I'm a stay-at-home dad and have a measure of flexibility in terms of meeting you somewhere. My son has pre-school until 1:30 on both days, but otherwise we could conceivably connect up.

Of course Steve (Plasterdog) lives and works much closer to the city (Evanston), so if you're going to be in the city proper it'd be better to try and meet him directly.

Regards,

 

[jpaul]

I will be passing through the city heading for Madison, Wi. on Thursday. Depending on traffic and starting time, I will be hitting the Chicago area around noon. I'll be taking Lakeshore Blvd through the city, so I'll probably be in your area between 1 and 2 pm. I can stop in Evanston or Buffalo Grove to hand off the parts. I'll be looking to make a late lunch stop around then, so if anyone knows a good spot along the route near them, let me know. PM me with a cell number, and I'll call when I get near.

 

[Planecrazy]

I will be passing through the city heading for Madison, Wi. on Thursday. Depending on traffic and starting time, I will be hitting the Chicago area around noon. I'll be taking Lakeshore Blvd through the city, so I'll probably be in your area between 1 and 2 pm. I can stop in Evanston or Buffalo Grove to hand off the parts. I'll be looking to make a late lunch stop around then, so if anyone knows a good spot along the route near them, let me know. PM me with a cell number, and I'll call when I get near.

If you're taking Lake Shore Drive through the city than you'll be right on target to meet Steve (Plasterdog) in Evanston if he's available.

Buffalo Grove is further west of the route you're taking, but only ten minutes away from the Tri-State Tollway (I294, well north of the part where traffic is a problem), so you wouldn't lose too much time if you came out my way. If you decide to do this we could definitely plan to have lunch together, but it'd be with at least one and possibly both of my kids (depending on the time) ... your call on that one! One option is to fire up the grill and do some burgers and dogs ... I DO have a reputation for being an excellent chef!

It'd certainly be nice to meet another GS'r, so if it works out I'll look forward to meeting you in person!

Regards,

 

[Plasterdog]

If you can get heat to the spot without pulling the engine, I would go with the HTS-2000 that Steve recommends. If it looks like it's too tight to do without pulling the engine out of the frame, my suggestion will work without pulling the engine. I have looked at the area on my engine, and I'm so sure it will work, that if you try it, and the repair fails, you can have the engine sitting on my bench. I wouldn't be concerned about using JB Weld on this; it is nothing more than an epoxy that's partially filled with steel. They have been using epoxies to glue aircraft together for over 50 years; it can withstand the expansion and contraction of aluminum. It's formulated to withstand temps up to 500?F. If your engine gets hotter than that in this spot, you have bigger problems than a hole in the crankcase. The biggest problem with my method is that the area must be REALLY, REALLY CLEAN. No residual oil on the surface when the epoxy is applied. Acetone would work really well for the final cleaning.

If someone can meet me on Thursday or Friday when I'm passing through the Chicago area, I can give you the nut and bolt so you have fresh parts to work with.

Thanks JPaul,
Planecrazy and I are going to attack the problem Sunday and I had already ordered new bolts/nuts from BikeBandit, they came in last week, but thanks for the offer.

 

[jpaul]

If you're taking Lake Shore Drive through the city than you'll be right on target to meet Steve (Plasterdog) in Evanston if he's available.

Buffalo Grove is further west of the route you're taking, but only ten minutes away from the Tri-State Tollway (I294, well north of the part where traffic is a problem), so you wouldn't lose too much time if you came out my way. If you decide to do this we could definitely plan to have lunch together, but it'd be with at least one and possibly both of my kids (depending on the time) ... your call on that one! One option is to fire up the grill and do some burgers and dogs ... I DO have a reputation for being an excellent chef!

It'd certainly be nice to meet another GS'r, so if it works out I'll look forward to meeting you in person!

Regards,

It looks like my hardware is unnecessary, but I'd still like to meet up for lunch. Kids don't bother me, so that's not a problem. While the grilling option is very tempting, travel times over 350 miles could make the timing a hassle for either or both of us. Besides, since I'm traveling on business, it's not like I'm paying with my own money. Since you know the area & your kids, name the place and I'll call when I get close. Then, if you have to leave early or arrive late due to parental duties, it won't be as much of an issue.

 

[jpaul]

Thanks JPaul,
Planecrazy and I are going to attack the problem Sunday and I had already ordered new bolts/nuts from BikeBandit, they came in last week, but thanks for the offer.

Sounds like you have everything lined up & ready to go. Good luck with the repair, I hate to see anyone miss a good ride due to something like this, especially as our riding season in the north starts to wind down.

 

[Plasterdog]

Evanston has lots of great eateries and is on the other end of LSD.
Thursday around sun-up I'm shooting an exterior, then interiors through the rest of the morning, Friday is more doable. Either way let us know.

 

[Planecrazy]

It looks like my hardware is unnecessary, but I'd still like to meet up for lunch. Kids don't bother me, so that's not a problem. While the grilling option is very tempting, travel times over 350 miles could make the timing a hassle for either or both of us. Besides, since I'm traveling on business, it's not like I'm paying with my own money. Since you know the area & your kids, name the place and I'll call when I get close. Then, if you have to leave early or arrive late due to parental duties, it won't be as much of an issue.

Plenty of good choices all over the area ... One that comes to mind is a great sandwich place (now franchised around Chicagoland) called Potbelly Sandwich Works. First rate sub sandwiches on every level!! If that doesn't float your boat there are plenty of alternatives... Let me know which day and we'll go from there. Who knows, maybe Steve will find enough time to meet us out here and we'll all lunch together.

Regards,

 

[jpaul]

Potbelly's sounds good to me. It'll have to be on Thursday. I have to be home by noon on Saturday, so I know I don't want any part of Chicago traffic on a Friday afternoon. Especially since there's a Notre Dame home game on Saturday, which I'm sure will use up most of the motel rooms in Northern Indiana on Friday night. It would be great if Plasterdog could make it too, but it looks like he may be busy. Hopefully, he can get done early and join us. PM me with your phone number, and I'll call when I get to the northern end of Lakeshore Blvd. That looks like it's about half an hour away from you. I checked the Potbelly web site, and I assume you're talking about their store in the City Park Shopping Center. Looking forward to meeting you.

 

[Planecrazy]

Potbelly's sounds good to me. It'll have to be on Thursday. I have to be home by noon on Saturday, so I know I don't want any part of Chicago traffic on a Friday afternoon. Especially since there's a Notre Dame home game on Saturday, which I'm sure will use up most of the motel rooms in Northern Indiana on Friday night. It would be great if Plasterdog could make it too, but it looks like he may be busy. Hopefully, he can get done early and join us. PM me with your phone number, and I'll call when I get to the northern end of Lakeshore Blvd. That looks like it's about half an hour away from you. I checked the Potbelly web site, and I assume you're talking about their store in the City Park Shopping Center. Looking forward to meeting you.

Actually I'm referring to the store five minutes from my house (in Lincolnshire) ... wait, scratch that ... you're RIGHT! Funny how you can live right near a shopping center and never actually know what it's called!! I'll PM you my cell number and see you Thursday!

PS (It's Lake Shore Drive)

Regards,

 

[Plasterdog]

There is a PotBellies in the middle of Evanston too, which is about ten blocks from the shoot. Then it's a straight (well sort of) shot down Sheridan Rd to LSD.

 

[Planecrazy]

There is a PotBellies in the middle of Evanston too, which is about ten blocks from the shoot. Then it's a straight (well sort of) shot down Sheridan Rd to LSD.

I think he's coming FROM LSD, Steve, and meeting in Buffalo Grove keeps me close by my son's "pickup" at 1:15 (whether we lunch before or after). Don't know if you can work you schedule out to join us, but it'll be cool if you can.

The other choice, JP, would be to meet Steve and not me ... either way you'll meet a "Steve!" :lol::wink:

Regards,

 

[Plasterdog]

Getting out Buffalo will be a tad trickey especially before one.

 

[jpaul]

I'm going to make it Buffalo Grove this time. I would prefer to be closer to open country (or at least as close as you can get in that area) for the rest of my trip up to Madison on Thursday. I'll be making the same trip next week, plus then I may be able to take my time going home, so stopping in the Chicago area on the return trip might not be prohibitive. I just wish these trips could have been later so I could make it to Galena with the rest of the GS crowd. Now I'm hoping that the rain clears out of Cleveland soon enough so I can ride on dry roads the whole way.[-o<

 

[first timer]

is it fixed now?

 

[Planecrazy]

is it fixed now?

Yes ... See the following link for a full report!

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=98377&page=3

 

[Plasterdog]

Ok. Many thanks to Steve (Planecrazy) and John (jpaul).
Having fixed the hole and determined that two thin (ish) coats of Form-A-Gasket do not work well on the oil pan, I waited with bated breath for a replacement oil pan gasket from BikeBandit. To my great fortune John "just happened" to be passing through with the appropriate gasket in his car. Friday night/Sat morning I was able to replace the gunk with a real gasket. At the same time I fitted -with something of a struggle- the case guards that started the whole mess. Ran the motor untill she was good and warm and checked for any leaks.
NONE! YEA!!\\/
With some paranoid trepidation I went for a ride this am did not really push past 7000 rpm and returned to check for leaks one more time.
NONE! YEA!!\\/
Not even from the cylinder cover gasket, where I thought there was a leak!
Next step was to replace the breather cover (courtesy BikeBandit) as one corner had cracked off, not sure how -over enthusiastic tightening maybe?- not by me. I had packed it with the good old F-A-G, hmmmm not quite what I meant.

So it looks like I will be good to go on Friday (what time do you want to hit the road Steve? BTW will bring check?/cash for the Dremel thingy)

BTW since Steve and I determined that the center exhaust was incorrectly installed by PO/Redline, and we corrected that, the bike sounds much better and has a little more umph! I know, I know I should have known, but there again I was trusting (too much apparently) Redline a "professional" service center. "No more!, quoth the Raven, No more!"

Thanks to all who gave great and well meaning advice, but especially Steve & John, you guys came through for me. I can only hope to return the favor.

 

[Planecrazy]

Ok. Many thanks to Steve (Planecrazy) and John (jpaul).
Having fixed the hole and determined that two thin (ish) coats of Form-A-Gasket do not work well on the oil pan, I waited with bated breath for a replacement oil pan gasket from BikeBandit. To my great fortune John "just happened" to be passing through with the appropriate gasket in his car. Friday night/Sat morning I was able to replace the gunk with a real gasket. At the same time I fitted -with something of a struggle- the case guards that started the whole mess. Ran the motor untill she was good and warm and checked for any leaks.
NONE! YEA!!\\/
With some paranoid trepidation I went for a ride this am did not really push past 7000 rpm and returned to check for leaks one more time.
NONE! YEA!!\\/
Not even from the cylinder cover gasket, where I thought there was a leak!
Next step was to replace the breather cover (courtesy BikeBandit) as one corner had cracked off, not sure how -over enthusiastic tightening maybe?- not by me. I had packed it with the good old F-A-G, hmmmm not quite what I meant.

So it looks like I will be good to go on Friday (what time do you want to hit the road Steve? BTW will bring check?/cash for the Dremel thingy)

BTW since Steve and I determined that the center exhaust was incorrectly installed by PO/Redline, and we corrected that, the bike sounds much better and has a little more umph! I know, I know I should have known, but there again I was trusting (too much apparently) Redline a "professional" service center. "No more!, quoth the Raven, No more!"

Thanks to all who gave great and well meaning advice, but especially Steve & John, you guys came through for me. I can only hope to return the favor.

Glad to be of help, Steve-O!

As to what time to leave on Friday, that is mostly dependant on what time YOU can make it over here. I should be free and clear after I drop my children off in the morning ... I'll be back at the house between 9:30 and 10am, and Don (who is staying over Thursday night) will also be at the house. You originally talked about a noonish departure (which is fine), but if you can leave earlier we will be ready and available...

Regards,

 

[jpaul]

Glad to hear the repair went well, and the bike is whole again. It was good to meet you and Steve (Planecrazy) on my trips to Wisconsin. Enjoy the ride next weekend, hope the weather cooperates and stays dry for the weekend.