I just wonder how long that motor has been running around with no tension applied to the cam chain, lol. No doubt as long as you've had it, but who knows how long the P.O. ran it that way. With all the botches and P.O. SNAFU's we run across, I guess it's a real testament to how well these bikes were made that any of them are still up and running around, lol.
-
Enjoy XS650.com? Consider making a donation to help support the site.
XS650.com receives a small share of sales from some links on this page, but direct donations have a much greater impact on keeping this site going.
Miesha: Build thread.
- Thread starter CoconutPete
- Start date
Hi Pete,
jolly badinage aside, I'd say your '78 had deep groove aluminum rim wire wheels. Lucky you, they're the XS650's prettiest wheel type.
And the PAMCO? Yes, I noticed t'other Pete's offer. From all the PAMCO-related posts on this list, be effin' sure of the install
procedure and run it from a battery, not a capacitor. It's only a bargain if it works, eh?
CoconutPete
1979 XS650 Special
I had the same thought about the engine and running with the missing spring (ugh).
I really hope to ride the bike this summer without major teardowns involved.
The 78 likely will need a top end job which I'm comfortable teaching myself, but it ain't gonna be quick.
I got all excited because I got comfortable adjusting the valves and got them dialed in. Then I remembered that you are supposed to adjust the cam chain first. Self-face-slap there.
I really hope to ride the bike this summer without major teardowns involved.
The 78 likely will need a top end job which I'm comfortable teaching myself, but it ain't gonna be quick.
I got all excited because I got comfortable adjusting the valves and got them dialed in. Then I remembered that you are supposed to adjust the cam chain first. Self-face-slap there.
CoconutPete
1979 XS650 Special
I have another XS now. A 78 standard. That bike will be lower and get the drag bars and tiny gauges. I decided I liked the tracker bars and larger stock gauges better on this bike since it’s more of a tracker look w/ the dual sport tires and higher stance.
Attachments
CoconutPete
1979 XS650 Special
Also bought a PAMCO. Because ... well .... it was on sale that’s why! And I have always wanted one.
Left side is mocked up. I can’t get the advance weight to slip on all the way. PamcoPete suggested the stock pin migh need to be filed down just a tad so I’ll be experimenting with that later.
Left side is mocked up. I can’t get the advance weight to slip on all the way. PamcoPete suggested the stock pin migh need to be filed down just a tad so I’ll be experimenting with that later.
Attachments
CoconutPete
1979 XS650 Special
There ya go!
Yup - if you re-read my Sparking with Lucille thread, that one little pin is about 1/32" or around 0.8 mm too long - which is silly. Grinding it down is NOT all that easy because the pin is small and it is hardened AND it was the only one of the three little pins (one on the LH end of the camshaft and two on the RH end) that was stuck firmly in place into the camshaft. I had to use a grinding disc on my Dremel - but you must be cautious to NOT damage the camshaft end seal.
I cannot understand why PAMCO Pete doesn't simply make the pocket in the rotor deep enough to fit over that pin. Grinding it down is not really the thinking man's way of solving the problem.
That one issue is about the most difficult task in the whole PAMCO installation IMO.
So MaxPete why did you choose to grind your pin instead of adding depth to the notch?
Last edited:
The problem as I see it is the rounded top on the notch. You're basically trying to fit a square peg (pin top) in a round hole (notch). The notch may be deep enough but the rounded top won't let it fit on the pin. I'd be squaring the top of that notch off with a needle file .....
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-needle-file-set-468.html
I happen to have this little file set and it's come in handy many times for little detail filing. Last use was modifying lock wafers .....
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-needle-file-set-468.html
I happen to have this little file set and it's come in handy many times for little detail filing. Last use was modifying lock wafers .....
I don’t have a milling machine at home the grinding option was the least unappealing of the two options.
Last edited:
The problem as I see it is the rounded top on the notch. You're basically trying to fit a square peg (pin top) in a round hole (notch). The notch may be deep enough but the rounded top won't let it fit on the pin. I'd be squaring the top of that notch off with a needle file .....
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-needle-file-set-468.html
I happen to have this little file set and it's come in handy many times for little detail filing. Last use was modifying lock wafers .....
Yup, I’ve got a set of needle files but the pin on my bike was a fair bit too long (I’d say 0.050” or even more) and the file wasn’t making much progress.
Last edited:
CoconutPete
1979 XS650 Special
I chose to take a bit off the pin because:
1: Pamcopete suggested it.
2: It seemed a lot easier than messing with the rotor.
3: I have a dremel.
I will say this: That tiny bench vise that my parents bought me when I was .. oh idunno .. 8 years old - that i have held onto all these years, came in extreme handy when holding the pin in place for grinding.
1: Pamcopete suggested it.
2: It seemed a lot easier than messing with the rotor.
3: I have a dremel.
I will say this: That tiny bench vise that my parents bought me when I was .. oh idunno .. 8 years old - that i have held onto all these years, came in extreme handy when holding the pin in place for grinding.
Last edited:
CoconutPete
1979 XS650 Special
Looks like a good install.
Scott
Scott
CoconutPete
1979 XS650 Special
Pamco is in. Wiring is buttoned up. She purrs like a kitten with the pamco and goldwing coil. Went for a ride today. I fet like she was letting me know I can trust her. I think my new taillight is even brighter when directly behind me. I have never seen such a large average distance kept behind me on a ride.
Attachments
She looks great Pete!
Pete
Pete
CoconutPete
1979 XS650 Special
Thanks Pete 
So was the "old" coil brand new, included in a Pamco kit from Mikes? Was it bad right out of the box, or did it fail shortly afterward, or, heaven forbid, did you "pooch" it by maybe running with a plug cap off and not grounded?
Do keep us updated on how that Honda coil is working. I do like them and plan on trying one myself. I was searching them from CBR600s, but they usually come up as single units that way. Never thought to look for the 3 packs from a Gold Wing 6. They're quite the bargain that way.
Do keep us updated on how that Honda coil is working. I do like them and plan on trying one myself. I was searching them from CBR600s, but they usually come up as single units that way. Never thought to look for the 3 packs from a Gold Wing 6. They're quite the bargain that way.
Indeed - and the packaging under an XS650 fuel tank is much neater with the twin secondary output "towers" aligned with the long axis of the coil body....
