Spring Tech Session
By Dave Leligdon
After much concern about the rainy weather and whether the session should be postponed a day or possibly a week I decided that we would go ahead as planned. The day started out nice and the members began to arrive. Chris Kerckhoff wanted his rear brake pads replaced as they were oil soaked due the “oil leak” in the transmission.
The plug came loose and doused the rear end of the bike with oil. The bike was placed on the lift and I was informed that we could not start until Dave Anderson arrived so he could observe the procedure. That being said, when he arrived he took charge of the work; I delivered the required tools to him and he did the work. The caliper and disk were cleaned with brake cleaner and the new pads installed. The job was done after cleaning the final drive.
One of our new members, Mike Wuellner, wanted to reset the maintenance light on his 2010 RT. Since I recently had my laptop downgraded from Windows 10 back to version 7, I knew that I would have to reload the GS911 program before Saturday. The hexcode web site is friendly enough but downloading the program requires a little patience.
That being said, the job was completed and I was ready for Mike. When he arrived his bike was pulled into the garage and the GS911 hooked up. After a little Km to Miles conversion, the proper numbers were applied and the reset was complete. Later in the day Dave Bissell needed the same service, which he performed by himself. It should be noted the GS911 purchased by the club has paid for itself many times over.
The only other scheduled task was to complete the wiring on Jay Green’s bike. At the last Tech Day we installed a Fuzeblock circuit block on Jay’s bike but we did not have time to finish the job. Now was the time to do it.
Out came the wiring tools and soldering iron. Wires were rerouted and cut to length. Terminal ends were soldered on and the connections made. His bike now has individual “switched” and always hot, fused circuits for the accessories. Looking for something to do, I thought we could try start my recently rebuilt QT 50. This two stroke bike has been giving me fits. I installed a new piston, rings and reed valve. This seemed to do the trick. The bike was started and the carburetor adjusted.
There were many comments on being “too rich” or “too lean” but a consensus was arrived at. It was now time for a test ride. Dave Anderson took to the task and out he went. Not wanting him to break down in the neighborhood, I took chase on my Honda Passport. Upon returning, Dave gave his impression: “The little bike is well balanced, no power and poor brakes.” Well at least it runs now!!
Notwithstanding the coffee and rolls, the highlight of the day was a visit by Dean Olsen. Since the nursing home is close by, Jeff Ackerman and Rich Race picked him up and brought him over. Dean got to see the bikes and enjoy the shop. He was brought inside to have his lunch and rest a bit. Everyone enjoyed his visit. It was good to see Dean and note the progress he is making.
Although the weather may have prevented some from attending, we did have 10 or so show up. For the ones who could not make it and need work done on their bikes please give me a call.