The RAT and the FOX

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:07 pm

So... I'm riding into Buffalo to meet Fitter at the Fox's house as they arrive from the N/E Ride '06.
Goin' to the HOOT, Fitter and I are.
One block to go ... CAM CHAIN lets go Shocked

.

Push the Rat to the Fox's den.

Before I get all the way up the driveway, Rob (the FOX) says, "s'OK, take" mine Shocked

.

"While you're away, I'll try to find the parts" Shocked

.

When I can talk again ............ I start trying to say "THANKS" Confused

.

But I can't figure out how.

I'm NOT making this up, I have a witness, Fitter was there.

I'm writing this from LurkerXX's Hill Fort in Virginia, where Fitter and I are enjoying some FABULOUS hospitality.

We're all (except Fox) goin' to the HOOT tomorrow.

I had to tell you all this story.

Whadda bunch of F'olks. Embarassed

Gord (too lucky for words) Jones

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:11 pm

Which cam chain was it and where do you need one sent to?

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:33 pm

Gord just enjoy the hoot, have some good times for me and hopefully next year we can ride down together.

Ray, It's the main cam chain that goes betweent the crank and cam, so the engine will have to be split for the repair. The secondary chain between cams has slack, but I am assuming that is betcause of the faulty tensioners. I am picking up a parts 1100 engine tonight and will be taking the tensioners out of it and the cam chain(s) if everything looks good. We will call it fate that I met an honda mechanic last week while at the dealer and he told me he has a few F's disassembled for parts at his place, including an 1100. What are the chances. Now I just have to get gaskets. Any pointers/suggestiongs/tricks and an idea of how much time is going to be involved in splitting the engine. I would love to have the Rat done for this coming weekend for Gord's triumphant return, but I think the gaskets (at least head gasket) are going to end up slowing up the process.

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:39 pm

The old gaskets being removed thoroughly is the hardest part of the job, especially that oil pump gasket.
The job is easy and pretty straight forward. Follow the book for torque settings and go slow. The motor will fall apart and back together again if you take your time with it.
I guess you have all the parts you need but if there is anything I can get for you, let me know and I will do what I can to help.

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:09 pm

Thanks Ray, that's what I wanted to hear. I have split and rebuilt engines before, so that isn't the issue. I just haven't had to do that to an F. Maybe I can solve Gord's mystery oil leaks while I am in there too, or will that be tabboo?

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:33 pm

TheFox wrote:

Thanks Ray, that's what I wanted to hear. I have split and rebuilt engines before, so that isn't the issue. I just haven't had to do that to an F. Maybe I can solve Gord's mystery oil leaks while I am in there too, or will that be tabboo?

I do not know if Gord wants his oil leaks fixed. You would need the new seals of which there are only 5 anyways.
A new gasket set will run about $100.00 including shipping if you buy an Athena set from Gasket set but they are out of stock. I do not know where else to get one.

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:42 pm

Lurker suggests OEM gaskets from Servicehonda.com.
He just re did his and was dissappointed with the previous (Athena) gaskets.. Rolling Eyes

You guys

Gord

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:51 pm

To each is there own, I like Athena gaskets except for the valve cover and tach drive oring they are top shelf.
But OEM Honda is the best, there is no argueing that fact. Wink

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 6:15 pm

i've said it before and i'll say it again, i've never met nicer, more generous guys then the ones i've met on our northeast rides. this confirms it. good on you Fox!! much Karma!! and Gord, you must be living right too!! have fun you guys. Wink

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:16 pm

If you have doubts about the parts you harvest, I have the following new and will contribute to the fix as long as I can get them replaced with new parts: Cam chain (both), cam chain tensioners (both), cam chain guide (the long one going down the front side), intake cam sprocket. I do not have the exhaust sprocket, nor the top cam chain guide nor the guide plate which holds the top of the rear cam chain tensioner.

If you need them, let me know and I can fedex to whereever.

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:39 pm

Peter,
Thanks for the kind offer, I'll get back to you as soon as Rob figures out what we need. Razz

Gord

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:43 pm

Dang. I am constantly impressed at the level of support that you can find on this here forum.

Kudos to us!!!!

This place puts to shame pretty much every other forum I have been a part of or others have talked about.

Jose

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:46 pm

This place puts to shame pretty much every other forum I have been a part of or others have talked about. says DaHose.

Spec....F'n ... tacular ..... says I.

Gord Laughing

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:24 am

Things break!! Not much we can do about that.
Kind gestures go along way!!!!
I keep telling people what a great bunch of guys are here
and this is a perfect example!!!!!!!!!
beerchug

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:05 am

When I did my head, I bought a whole set of gaskets as it was less expensive that the ones I wanted were by themselves. I have all the lower end seals, which I would be happy to send if you would pm and address.
They are Athena and the valve seals work just fine as does the head gasket.

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:11 am

Thanks guys for all the offerings. I will hopefully know more tomorrow. The mechanic I am getting the engine from didn't have his truck today to load the engine into, so hopefully tomorrow he will be bringing into the shop so I can see conditions. Luckily the engine is from a customer's bike he use to work on, so hopefully I can pick his brain and have an idea of mileage as well.

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 4:21 am

All you guys F'n ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very Happy

As Blainethemono offered me a frame to start an F bike build...my heart went wow!!! and then I see this tonight...and Papaluker pays for my ferry ride back so that I can ride home most of the way with company... See what I mean? F'rs are the shit!!!!! Very Happy

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 5:23 am

What a brotherhood here Very Happy

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:05 pm

I'm not surprised. I have TheFox's ex motor in my bike, freddie's exhaust, and more speednugget parts than I can count.

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:40 pm

Got a PM from the FOX last evening ... the RAT LIVES.
He started her last night, will test ride today.

I hope to pick her up tomorrow night.

In time for RAT RIDE #2 Laughing

Here's to the FOX beerchug

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:46 pm

It's been a long road. The Rat has aquired more parts from other bikes, but she roared last night. Today will be the test ride. So far (knock on wood) no oil leaks, sorry Gord, you will have to provide your own.

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:48 pm

Right on Gord, you will soon be rreunited with your steed and Fox gets to chalk this one up on the good side.
F'ers rule.

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:27 pm

Rat wrote:

Got a PM from the FOX last evening ... the RAT LIVES.
He started her last night, will test ride today.

I hope to pick her up tomorrow night.

In time for RAT RIDE #2 Laughing

Here's to the FOX beerchug

Great news Gord....very cool!

So any chance the Fox might join us on the 2nd Annual Rat Ride?
There are still bunks available.

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:51 pm

Can't do it, thought about it, but the girlfriend has this weekend booked for me. She has been tolerant of me taking some weekends for myself, so I can't back out of this now. Next time...

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:53 pm

TheFox wrote:

Can't do it, thought about it, but the girlfriend has this weekend booked for me. She has been tolerant of me taking some weekends for myself, so I can't back out of this now. Next time...

Bring her, she'll love us Twisted Evil

Gord (or not) Jones Cool

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:19 pm

She hurt he ankle a few weeks back and hasn't been able to get on the back of the bike as of yet. So while everyone is riding I will be spending some quality time relaxing up on the St Lawrence. Tip back a brew for me.

-Rob (like I need to give suggestion) Foxenberg