1978 GL1000 Low Buck Project

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Goboy
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Re: 1978 GL1000 Low Buck Project

#16

Post by Goboy »

Install belts, insuring the timing marks are lined up when you do. Its easier to work on one belt and tensioner pulley at a time, less chance of messing up the timing. Leave the tensioner pulley bolt a little loose and manually turn the engine "several rotations" and then tighten the tensioner pulley bolts. The belt tension should now be fairly tight.
Idler pulleys and hose.jpg
Idler pulleys and hose.jpg (249.11 KiB) Viewed 296 times
I had my rad off so I installed a temporary hose so I could run the bike. You have to readjust the tensioner pulley tension with the engine at operating temp. Watch the temp gauge and feel the hose as you bring the engine to operating temp.
Check the belt tension now, then loosen the tensioner pulley bolts and turn the engine and re-tighten the bolts. Never force or push the belts, let the springs do the tensioning. This may be a good reason to change your springs once in a while.
Last edited by Goboy on Mon Apr 10, 2017 11:16 pm, edited 2 times in total.
You're too small to ride a hog Billy!

Mike
1978 GL1000
Previous bikes: 05 Yamaha FJR 1300, 79 Suzuki GS 1000, 75 Yamaha XS 650, 73 Kawasaki S2 350
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Goboy
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Re: 1978 GL1000 Low Buck Project

#17

Post by Goboy »

Now after re-checking the timing marks you can install the rad. but I have a new problem. When I had the engine warming up I noticed that the right cam sprocket was wobbling. A PO had dropped the bike as the right crash bar was ground flat on the bottom. Something must be bent, removed the sprocket,checked, reinstalled, same. The rear cover plate was also bent and had cracks.
Rt pulley cracks.jpg
Rt pulley cracks.jpg (345.53 KiB) Viewed 296 times
So picked up some used parts. Cleaned painted the rear cover plate, installed the new sprocket and belt, manually turned the engine and tightened the tensioner pulley bolts, checked the timing marks. All Ok, cranked it over, no wobble!! dancr
Rt rear cover old-new resize.jpg
Rt rear cover old-new resize.jpg (77.69 KiB) Viewed 296 times
You're too small to ride a hog Billy!

Mike
1978 GL1000
Previous bikes: 05 Yamaha FJR 1300, 79 Suzuki GS 1000, 75 Yamaha XS 650, 73 Kawasaki S2 350
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Goboy
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Re: 1978 GL1000 Low Buck Project

#18

Post by Goboy »

Easy fix for rotted rubber bushing (or washers?) for electric radiator fan mount, use pieces of vacuum hose.
Homemade rubber bushings.jpg
Homemade rubber bushings.jpg (211.42 KiB) Viewed 285 times
You're too small to ride a hog Billy!

Mike
1978 GL1000
Previous bikes: 05 Yamaha FJR 1300, 79 Suzuki GS 1000, 75 Yamaha XS 650, 73 Kawasaki S2 350
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Patriccio
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Re: 1978 GL1000 Low Buck Project

#19

Post by Patriccio »

That's it! Nothin' fer a year?! I think you might be in violation of some by-law in another galaxy. Nice little triptych thing w/ the pics.
If there is one thing I have learned throughout this process it is this: Check your respirator for spiders before you put it on.
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Goboy
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Re: 1978 GL1000 Low Buck Project

#20

Post by Goboy »

I'm definitely in violation (I maybe banished from this site if I don't pull up my socks :shock: ). I've done a little and adding pic's SLOWLY!! I'm going to rename it the Slow buck project! I just have too many things on my too do list. :roll:
You're too small to ride a hog Billy!

Mike
1978 GL1000
Previous bikes: 05 Yamaha FJR 1300, 79 Suzuki GS 1000, 75 Yamaha XS 650, 73 Kawasaki S2 350
heraldhamster
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Re: 1978 GL1000 Low Buck Project

#21

Post by heraldhamster »

Goboy wrote:...I just have too many things on my too do list. :roll:
we should start a club. I haven't built one in over 4 or 5 years (and I have 3 waiting to get built)... but I have a runner, almost two (but no time to track the problem on the 2nd).

likin' your progress. especially those replacement bushings. good on ya, man.
sorta bulldogged custom 1978 GL1000 - "geekster"
full Vetter dress 1979 GL1000 - "Barge" (currently down)
1986 1200 Aspencade - "Heart of Gold" - daily rider
1990 1500 Aspencade - It's ALIVE! but very, very naked. not in a good way.
1978 for $100 - project in worx
1978 from a previous member here - taking up space
my original '79 bought in '91 - replacing engine (eventually, maybe someday)

H2G2=42

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ericheath
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Re: 1978 GL1000 Low Buck Project

#22

Post by ericheath »

Duke182, that was your queue.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
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Goboy
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Re: 1978 GL1000 Low Buck Project

#23

Post by Goboy »

Since Patricco been prodding me for something, anything, I submit "THE PAINTING OF THE RADIATOR". It took 3 long nights to sand all the nooks and crannies, wiped it down twice with wax and grease remover. Then sprayed it with black caliper paint and baked it for 30 min. @ 250 (or until lightly browned). Then threw in a frozen pizza to get rid of the smell. I still can't believe the wife didn't put up a fuss.
Taped up and covered the core with cardboard.
Taped up and covered the core with cardboard.
Rad sanded.jpg (92.42 KiB) Viewed 212 times
Paint came out pretty nice. New cap too!
Paint came out pretty nice. New cap too!
Rad painted.jpg (92.06 KiB) Viewed 212 times
You're too small to ride a hog Billy!

Mike
1978 GL1000
Previous bikes: 05 Yamaha FJR 1300, 79 Suzuki GS 1000, 75 Yamaha XS 650, 73 Kawasaki S2 350
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Patriccio
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Re: 1978 GL1000 Low Buck Project

#24

Post by Patriccio »

That turned out quite nicely. I suggest Radiator of the Month.
If there is one thing I have learned throughout this process it is this: Check your respirator for spiders before you put it on.
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