My first project bike (82 GS750T)

[Guest]

Hey everyone... I'm a new member on here (I've already introduced myself in the GS Owners thread) and I just picked up my first project bike. Thanks to BikeCliff's awesome site, I've figured out what exactly I need to do first, and I thought I'd start a thread on here to just to keep track and maybe ask a few questions.

First things first, I am removing the carbs to completely clean as per the tutorial on BikeCliffs site... a couple of quick questions though: I'm having trouble separating the carbs from the boots. Probably because of the cold and the really stiff rubber. Can I warm them up with a heat gun?

And once I do get them apart, I'm not exactly sure about the throttle and the choke cables. What's the easiest way to remove them from the carbs? Also, I plan on getting some lower bars, maybe the European style bars. Will I need to purchase shorter cables for the throttle and choke?

And now, for a few photos:

K&N breather (maybe? You tell me)



I also managed to remove the exhaust so I can get ready to change the oil and replace the oil pan gasket (since I'm already going to be down there) and I want to change the exhaust gaskets as well. Should I replace the rusty header bolts or just dip them in EvapoRust to clean them off a bit?



What's the easiest way to clean this? I'm probably going to spray paint it with high heat paint, but in the mean time I don't want to look at it like this. And what about this dent?



This is going to have to be replaced, I think:



I'm also missing two bolts on the lower engine mount, one on each side



I've tried looking up the part number on Alpha Sports, but I'm not sure it's the correct bolt. Any ideas?

[cowboyup3371]

Welcome to the site. You'll want to remove those cables before you remove the carbs from the bike. I think a heat gun might work but if you do that you'll probably want to get some new ones from one of the places listed in your welcome packet. Otherwise, it's just a lot of manhandling to be honest.

Make sure you don't waste the money on carb kits - just get the orings and maybe new bowl gaskets. You'll want to record your jet sizes so you know what you have and do the valve adjustment before you put the carbs back on and synch them.

[AX2007]

I'm definitely getting new carb boots. The ones that are on there are as hard as a rock. I also am getting the bowl gaskets to, and replacing all the O-rings.

I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with the exhaust. I'm hoping steel wool will clean all that rust before I paint it. Any recommendations on a good metal cleaner?

[cowboyup3371]

I took a wire wheel then steel wool to clean mine up and repainted them with VHT's Exhaust paint. I'll probably consider ceramic coating them next year or the one after.

[AX2007]

Thanks cowboy, I'll give that a shot. I'll put up some new pics when I get it done.

[Redneck]

Those engine mount bolts are probably 8mm 1.25 threads length to be determined. The micro fiche part numbers listed it as a drain plug. Usually cyclenationparts are original part numbers and the sizes can be determined from that. Go to your local Ace Hardware and grab a 8mm x35mm give that a try see if it fits. IF it doesn't your only out about $.35. Hope that helps.

Paul

BTW Welcome

[AX2007]

Redneck,

I saw that as well... That's why I wasn't sure about the part number. I'll have to check out Ace Hardware when I can.

And thanks for the welcome. Everyone on here has been really helpful. It's almost shocking

[psyguy]

Welcome AX !

That exhaust is in a pretty poor condition so imho you'd be better off sourcing another 2nd hand exhaust... they come up in the For Sale section every so often

[AX2007]

Welcome AX !

That exhaust is in a pretty poor condition so imho you'd be better off sourcing another 2nd hand exhaust... they come up in the For Sale section every so often

Thanks buddy. And I think I am definitely going to buy a whole new exhaust, but in the meantime, I'm going to get my scrubbing on. I want to ride sooner then later, and after this riding season I plan on taking the bike apart so I can paint the frame and upgrade.

As someone said to me earlier, get it running well first, then upgrade. I think that's excellent advice.

[Tim Tom]

Always nice to see another Jersey GSer! I noticed in the Google Earth thread you're in Elizabeth, I'm just up the road a bit in Newark.

Looks like a nice project bike you got, and for a steal too. For that exhaust I would use a wire wheel attachment on an angle grinder. It will work MUCH faster than steel wool. The other option is to be all scientific and set up an electrolysis dip. While I've never tried this option, others have with good success. Plus it would get those hard to reach places. Here is a good write up on how to do it:

http://antique-engines.com/electrol.asp

Keep up on the resto, these bikes are great to ride!

EDIT: I just noticed your question about shorter cables with the lower bars. I put Euro bars on my 850G and was able to re-route the original cables. However I did order a shorter set to have as a back up. I think the 650M Katana model has the right length cables.

[AX2007]

EDIT: I just noticed your question about shorter cables with the lower bars. I put Euro bars on my 850G and was able to re-route the original cables. However I did order a shorter set to have as a back up. I think the 650M Katana model has the right length cables.

Thanks for the electrolysis idea... but I think I'll probably go the wire wheel route. As far as the cables, I hope I can reroute them, but if not, I'll look for donor parts.

When I get her all done, we'll have to organize a Northern NJ GS ride. There is someone else on here that's from Jersey City. We can finish in Newark and head to Fornos for dinner (that's my favorite place in the Ironbound)

[AX2007]

Update:

Worked on getting the carbs apart today. Went fairly smoothly except for one screw on the #3 carb that needed to be removed with pliers and 3 of the 4 pilot jets that were so mangled inside the carbs I could barely catch anything with the screw driver. So I guess I'm going to try an easy out, unless someone here has a better suggestion.

Some pictures for you voyeurs out there:

Main jet. I'm guessing the 124 is indicative of a Dynojet Stage 3 kit:



The needle jet with some lovely sand type material all over it



Hitchhiker I found in one if the carbs:



It's not super visible, but it's in there, and it looks like someone installed it with a hammer or something



Also, 2 of the 4 float gaskets have left a residue behind on the float. Should I try removing this first, or will the carb dip remove it for me?

[AX2007]

And one more quick question... I want to order new pilot jets, but I don't know which ones I need. Should they be stock considering the dynojet stage 3 kit? Keep in mind I have a 4-1 exhaust and pod filters on it.

And where should I order them from?

[Good Times]

Z1enterprises.com has the Dyno Jet kits.

[AX2007]

I'm pretty sure it already has a Stage 3 kit, the main jet is stamped with "124". I need to know if I need to get regular pilot jets, or something else. The pilot jets in there now are going to have to be screwed out.

Anyone know if the pilot jets remain stock with a Dynojet stage 3 kit?