OP
OP
Requiem for the trip – post trip report
Lots of time, thought, planning went into bringing this new to me '85 LTD to the west coast from Ontario. I would never have embarked on this adventure if it had not been for the family being in Ontario and my want for another bike of the same vintage and type.
I have rode across to Ontario and back, to San Diego and back, and another short trip to LA and back. I can attest to these type of distance rides as being boring and trying sometimes. This trip had an extra component that was very enjoyable, and broke up the monotony. I had my cell phone connected to my Sena headset so my partner Sonya could phone and chat with me. My brother also did this and made the trip enjoyable as well.
Having Sonya able to connect with me and chat made the trip that more enjoyable. She was able to be part of the trip without being there, was my pseudo navigator as we discussed weather, routes and distances during our chats, and she would talk about the various places en route that were specific to her family's heritage. Solo riding any distance can be made better by doing this.
I had initially bought this bike as a parts bike, and my first look at it confirmed this; however, I had the opportunity to have a second, longer look at the bike and it was in better condition than I thought. My last opportunity to determine the direction I would take with this bike came at Christmas last when I told my brother that we had to try and start the bike or it was a boat anchor. With luck in my court, the bike did start and was able to move under its own power.
With the bike now a viable road worthy candidate, I set out to determine what I needed to do to bring this bike under its own power from northern Ontario to Victoria, BC.
To meet a timeline many items/components had to be prepped in advance. There was thought put into the electrical system upgrades such as wiring, relays OEM style connectors, and tools required to do the work.
There was also the unknowns that will come to the fore and have to be addressed. I did not have an unlimited budget, but I had planned and ensured that I would have sufficient capital to give myself the best possible chance to ride this new to me biker across Canada as trouble free as possible.
There was an initial “scraping” sound in the rear engine case that I concluded was from the clutch pack. Had comments that corroborated this and can now report that this sound has disappeared. The lack of a neutral light at the start of this project was an annoyance, but is now more common than not.
Had trouble getting a neutral indication on the dash when first starting this project. Since the work and ride across to Victoria, the neutral light is now coming on more often – nothing like using a bike to get it to work properly.
Realizing that the symptoms for a faulty throttle position sensor (TPS) and a fuel system issue are virtually the same was an eyeopener; however, I think there are minor differences that allow me to know the difference between the two.
I also had the help and constructive advice from many on the forum when I did have a hiccup in the schedule for which I am very grateful.
Did the fuel system pressure check – 36 PSI with the ignition switch on – engine not started, and 33 PSI with engine started. Slightly high with engine started but can live with it.
Compression test done with engine cold after a night's rest – results: #1/#2/#4 125 PSI #3 – 135 PSI.
Balanced all four cylinders as best that could be done. Did not do a cleaning of the throttle plate at this time, for the near future.
I reported previously that there was a possible coolant/oil leak from the water pump weep hole. I have seen a few more drops from the weep hole so a water pump rebuild may be in order. I did notice during the work in Ontario that the water pump impeller had about a 1/4 inch play when moved. Will investigate and correct.
Checked the spark plugs yesterday for colour and how each cylinder was firing. Cylinder three was reported on previously as not firing, or not firing enough because the porcelain was still white. This colour has darkened ever so slightly, but this could be TPS and balance related. I now have the time to do a more thorough calibration of the TPS regarding this – and I am prepping another new TPS for install. New plugs have been installed.
Happy to report that the mod to the Honda Civic TPS where I drilled the TPS actuating arm and installed a small screw that was consequently covered with JB Weld is working well. The JB weld gives this mod a lot of strength.
An oil change was first on the list to do when I got back, and I used about 8/10ths of a quart of oil from Ontario to Victoria, BC. Would like to be able to a leak down test to determine what is leaking, rings, valves or valve guide seals. Have had an oil plume at first start up in the morning so the vale stem seals may need to be replaced.
Overall I am pleased with getting the bike to Victoria, and will now determine a way ahead regarding the two bikes. My intention is to keep both road worthy; however, there will be one that will be my daily and touring bike – the best of two worlds so to speak.
Great project and adventure. Another item stricken from the bucket list.
Trust everyone had an enjoyable read. I know I enjoyed reporting on this endeavour.
Cheers
Lots of time, thought, planning went into bringing this new to me '85 LTD to the west coast from Ontario. I would never have embarked on this adventure if it had not been for the family being in Ontario and my want for another bike of the same vintage and type.
I have rode across to Ontario and back, to San Diego and back, and another short trip to LA and back. I can attest to these type of distance rides as being boring and trying sometimes. This trip had an extra component that was very enjoyable, and broke up the monotony. I had my cell phone connected to my Sena headset so my partner Sonya could phone and chat with me. My brother also did this and made the trip enjoyable as well.
Having Sonya able to connect with me and chat made the trip that more enjoyable. She was able to be part of the trip without being there, was my pseudo navigator as we discussed weather, routes and distances during our chats, and she would talk about the various places en route that were specific to her family's heritage. Solo riding any distance can be made better by doing this.
I had initially bought this bike as a parts bike, and my first look at it confirmed this; however, I had the opportunity to have a second, longer look at the bike and it was in better condition than I thought. My last opportunity to determine the direction I would take with this bike came at Christmas last when I told my brother that we had to try and start the bike or it was a boat anchor. With luck in my court, the bike did start and was able to move under its own power.
With the bike now a viable road worthy candidate, I set out to determine what I needed to do to bring this bike under its own power from northern Ontario to Victoria, BC.
To meet a timeline many items/components had to be prepped in advance. There was thought put into the electrical system upgrades such as wiring, relays OEM style connectors, and tools required to do the work.
There was also the unknowns that will come to the fore and have to be addressed. I did not have an unlimited budget, but I had planned and ensured that I would have sufficient capital to give myself the best possible chance to ride this new to me biker across Canada as trouble free as possible.
There was an initial “scraping” sound in the rear engine case that I concluded was from the clutch pack. Had comments that corroborated this and can now report that this sound has disappeared. The lack of a neutral light at the start of this project was an annoyance, but is now more common than not.
Had trouble getting a neutral indication on the dash when first starting this project. Since the work and ride across to Victoria, the neutral light is now coming on more often – nothing like using a bike to get it to work properly.
Realizing that the symptoms for a faulty throttle position sensor (TPS) and a fuel system issue are virtually the same was an eyeopener; however, I think there are minor differences that allow me to know the difference between the two.
I also had the help and constructive advice from many on the forum when I did have a hiccup in the schedule for which I am very grateful.
Did the fuel system pressure check – 36 PSI with the ignition switch on – engine not started, and 33 PSI with engine started. Slightly high with engine started but can live with it.
Compression test done with engine cold after a night's rest – results: #1/#2/#4 125 PSI #3 – 135 PSI.
Balanced all four cylinders as best that could be done. Did not do a cleaning of the throttle plate at this time, for the near future.
I reported previously that there was a possible coolant/oil leak from the water pump weep hole. I have seen a few more drops from the weep hole so a water pump rebuild may be in order. I did notice during the work in Ontario that the water pump impeller had about a 1/4 inch play when moved. Will investigate and correct.
Checked the spark plugs yesterday for colour and how each cylinder was firing. Cylinder three was reported on previously as not firing, or not firing enough because the porcelain was still white. This colour has darkened ever so slightly, but this could be TPS and balance related. I now have the time to do a more thorough calibration of the TPS regarding this – and I am prepping another new TPS for install. New plugs have been installed.
Happy to report that the mod to the Honda Civic TPS where I drilled the TPS actuating arm and installed a small screw that was consequently covered with JB Weld is working well. The JB weld gives this mod a lot of strength.
An oil change was first on the list to do when I got back, and I used about 8/10ths of a quart of oil from Ontario to Victoria, BC. Would like to be able to a leak down test to determine what is leaking, rings, valves or valve guide seals. Have had an oil plume at first start up in the morning so the vale stem seals may need to be replaced.
Overall I am pleased with getting the bike to Victoria, and will now determine a way ahead regarding the two bikes. My intention is to keep both road worthy; however, there will be one that will be my daily and touring bike – the best of two worlds so to speak.
Great project and adventure. Another item stricken from the bucket list.
Trust everyone had an enjoyable read. I know I enjoyed reporting on this endeavour.
Cheers
