Recent content by Duck749

  1. Duck749

    78 Special - Top End

    What is the preference in gasket kits, go to Mikes with the $130 kit (https://www.mikesxs.net/gasket-kit-top-end-yamaha-xs650-1977-1983.html) or standard Athena gasket kit for $60 (https://tcbros.com/collections/metric-engine-clutch/products/1975-81-yamaha-xs650-engine-gasket-kit) and get misc...
  2. Duck749

    78 Special - Top End

    Excellent write up and detail Jim! I ordered the factory manual and have Hans Pahl book (the Yamaha S 650 Engine) for additional reference. Snowy day in NY today so was able to get started.
  3. Duck749

    78 Special - Top End

    Since doing the tracker build a couple years ago, I have been keeping up with maintenance on the motor (over 20k miles), its original and I don’t believe ever apart. It has been having oil blow by which my side covers have spray, drip of oil on the plug wires, etc. I have replaced the cam orings...
  4. Duck749

    ‘78 Special Engine Rebuild - info to support

    I am finally at the point of deciding its time for a rebuild: plastic in oil, oil leaks, etc. Bike runs, well I didn’t actually ride it at all this year. Has over 25k on odometer and every other part on bike has been rebuilt or replaced from tracker build. I have watched some YouTube’s...
  5. Duck749

    '78 Special - Kickstart/Gear Question

    Pennzoil 20/50, yes lubed cable this spring. after getting home, pulled clutch lever while kicking and noticed no difference. Kicking has little to no resistance. Also put bike in gear, heard engagement, still able to turn wheel both forward and reverse with some resistance. It does keep...
  6. Duck749

    '78 Special - Kickstart/Gear Question

    Good morning! Been while since riding the XS, put it away last fall running after I had what I thought was a float issue. Turns out, had a bad petcock which drained my gas tank into the case. This spring got all new fresh oils, replaced petcocks, etc. Have had the bike running, just not out for...
  7. Duck749

    Mag Wheel Refinishing

    Thanks for all the feedback, some good ideas to think about!
  8. Duck749

    Mag Wheel Refinishing

    I am looking at picking up a ‘70s Triumph which has what I will call two tone mag wheels. These are very similar to my ‘78 Special which had chrome / silver strip and black color. When I rebuilt the Special I powder coated entire rim satin black for the style build I did. The Triumph I am...
  9. Duck749

    ‘78 Special - timing issue?

    Thanks for help and info, moved advance to correct 180deg position, reset timing and one kick fired up and idled good again!
  10. Duck749

    ‘78 Special - timing issue?

    So I did confirm tonight that advance is off, will this alone cause similar issue?
  11. Duck749

    ‘78 Special - timing issue?

    So I was able to replace cam seals which meant pulling advance and point assembly off. Marked timing and reassembled. When going to start bike and check for leaks it just cranks with occasional “gun shot” and flame out one exhaust and no start or running. The advance was all keyed which makes...
  12. Duck749

    Cam housing gasket - ‘78 Special

    Perfect thanks!
  13. Duck749

    Cam housing gasket - ‘78 Special

    So I got cleaning things up and see there is Oring that was compressed flat and stuck to gasket. My clymer manual says “breather cover gasket” is what I am looking for. As mentioned only part I am seeing is square gasket for breather box.
  14. Duck749

    Cam housing gasket - ‘78 Special

    I have oil leaking from cam housings at points/advance. Did some looking and see the seal can be bad, new ones on order. Left side of the motor there was oil in the housing. Right side on both inside and outside. I have all parts removed and working on cleaning everything up. In process of...
  15. Duck749

    Rear wheel locked up

    Great thanks! After building the bike it does have rebuilt caliper, SS line and cleaned MS. Cant remember if/what i replaced on MS other that new reservoir and line to cylinder. Appreciate quick feedback.
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