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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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Took my ‘78 special out for ride today, it left me stranded when I lost power going up hill. As I safely pulled over I had smell of burnt clutch/brakes. I could start the bike but it would not go forward, rear wheel was locked up (while in neutral). It was so bad a passerby and I couldnt even...

Cleaning out the garage from recent build and have the following parts from the bike selling. All are open to best offer, please reply thread or to email at jpturco@yahoo.com: Turn Signal Set - $30 + shipping Chrome is in good condition and Airbox set - $35 + shipping good shape with some...

Ok, so finally got the bike out on the road after the two year project (pic attached). One of the problems I am having is moving up/down through the gears. I had a hard time getting the bike to shift into 3-5, usually had to rev the engine slightly, it would find gear and then go in. Looking at...

ok I am at a loss, neither front or rear can build pressure they just feel spoongy. Lets start with front, have rebuild caliper, new line and new 11mm brembo MC. I used my vacuum pump to pull fluid through and kept getting air. Did some review on line and broke the fittings at MC and caliper...

on my '78special I was verifying the points gap and then checking static timing. I thought I had gap set correctly then with ignition on and bulb wired from right point to ground I started rotating engine and light came on and stayed on for half rotation of the cam. Similar thing with left...

ok, finally got battery in to sort out elect issues after new wiring harness, rebuild, etc. I installed all LED lights and see I need the new flasher unit from superbrightled.com, removed and jumped reserve lighting stuff, etc. Headlight works, turn signals work (minus flash as wait on part)...

ok I cant find anything on this. I replaced the clutch, laid out all parts and know correct 7 disk, bearings, alignment are all done, etc. Opposite side I replaced oil seal and bushing, while doing so removed, cleaned, lubed the worm gear. Tonight I installed new Motion Pro clutch cable. Placed...

So, dumped the oil and pulled both filters to change out, while preparing for clutch change. Stuck around the lower filter, and under it, were long black plastic pieces which I assume is the chain guide. Attached is picture. Couple questions, I hear it is concern when you see aluminum shavings...

So this is my first time doing bearings, they came out hard but hubs looked good and bearings definitely shot ('78 Xs650 Special). Sent off the bare mag rims for powder coating and after reading/you tubing and planning I became ready to rebuild. My old parts were all cleaned and inspected and...

I have a '78 special I am rebuilding and installed a new MikeXS wiring harness. Through a few wiring diagrams I have all the wiring installed and what I believe to be correct. However one thing keeps stumping me at the reserve lighting unit. With the plug disconnected I am reading continuity...

so, I am in the reassembly process of the '78 XS650 Special. I ordered a new wiring harness from MikeXS so I didn't have to deal with the rat ness that was in the bike. There are a couple questions as I am not sure what I have and what I need. The wiring is going well and most connections are...

i am looking to do a valve adjustment and when I remove the cover to access the marks for TDC, it looks as if they are home made. All the YouTube videos, shop manuals and forums show what looks to be a different stator with a plate having both the TDC and firing marks. I am not sure if I should...

So I mentioned in newbie thread I got this bike as a rebuild into brat/street tracker. I started the tear down with front end and rear all tore apart. The lower fork tubes, rims and rear swing arm are already for powder coater. Here is a slightly older pic of the tear down. Carbs off cleaned...

hello, just want to say first off great site! I picked up my first Yamaha last week, '78 XS650 Special with 28k miles. Needs a lot of cleanup and tune up but is base for brat/scrambler project and most items needing replacing are done for project (tires, seat, etc). This will be my third...