Tearing Down the Valk

[texdoc77]

Hello, longtime reader, first time poster.  I will be receiving my new exhaust system (Thanks Mark T) soon and will also be having my bike painted...  Therefore the exhaust, front and rear wheel farings, gas tank and saddle bags will all be off my bike for at least a little while.  Here is my question:  Is there anything I should take advantage of with those pieces removed?  Any special cleaning?  Any routine maintenance? 

The answer may be no, but I thought I would ask since I am going to the trouble anyway...

Thanks in advance.

SC

[jimmytee]

Other than checking your various lines and rubber parts for wear and maybe the opportunity to do some detailing, I'm a firm believer if it ain't broke don't fix it. If it hasn't been done , you might consider desmogging it, but again if it aint, you know the rest. With the fairing off , it is easier to check your steering head bearings for indexing, but if your handling is fine, then again if it... etc.. Just my opinion.

[Hook#3287]

I'd take this opportunity to desmog.  Get rid of all that clutter, hoses and stuff.

Then you can clean up the top of the motor easier.

Also, when you have the carbs, out you could swap out the float valves.

Good time to swap out the fluids.

You might consider intake o-rings, but you can do those anytime.

Or you could follow JimmyTee's advice and leave her alone.

[baldo]

I'd take this opportunity to desmog.  Get rid of all that clutter, hoses and stuff.

Then you can clean up the top of the motor easier.

Also, when you have the carbs, out you could swap out the float valves.

Good time to swap out the fluids.

You might consider intake o-rings, but you can do those anytime.

Or you could follow JimmyTee's advice and leave her alone.

Hook,

I've got hydrolock issues and will be pulling the carbs next week. Considering a carb rebuild when they're out. Is there a good vendor for floats and float valves, or go OEM?

Thanks,

Bob

[indybobm]

Here is a good source for float valves. Your floats are probably oh, just check them carefully.

https://www.amazon.com/Supply-18-8955-Float-Needle-K3-Keihin/dp/B001KOD732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468070819&sr=8-1&keywords=valkyrie+float+valve

[baldo]

Here is a good source for float valves. Your floats are probably oh, just check them carefully.

https://www.amazon.com/Supply-18-8955-Float-Needle-K3-Keihin/dp/B001KOD732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468070819&sr=8-1&keywords=valkyrie+float+valve

Thanks, Bob. That's very helpful. K&L prices are way better than OEM...

SC, sorry for the thread hijack. Please continue....

[Roidfingers]

Tex, my biggest problem is down time. I like to ride. So if I was gonna have all that time then I would at least do the rear end inspection and lube. And new orings. I already have all the parts I need. Just don't want to stop riding. Also all things mentioned above.

[texdoc77]

Thanks everyone for the views and replies.  I will be posting a non monetized video of the process of removing the saddlebags, fenders and fuel tank on you tube shortly, check it out and feel free to make fun of me.

[texdoc77]

OK here is the video, like I said no ads, I just hope others get some help from this.  A lot of times I feel like I am the only one that cannot tear down and rebuild a motor on forums like this so my videos are basic for peeps like me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUfwQpPa_kg

[bg]

great video, straight forward, looking forward to seeing the new paint.

[The emperor has no clothes]

OK here is the video, like I said no ads, I just hope others get some help from this.  A lot of times I feel like I am the only one that cannot tear down and rebuild a motor on forums like this so my videos are basic for peeps like me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUfwQpPa_kg

Man you've got some great hand speed on a ratchet.    What seat covering do you have ?

[signart]

I have already done this, but I have to say, best production of a "How To" video I have ever seen of anything on youtube.
I can see how this would be very helpful to someone not familiar with wrenching on a classic Valk.
You must make more, tear her on down. Thanks.

[texdoc77]

bg

Thanks for the kind words!!  For the paint I will be using Slater in Dawson, TX - does really great work and so far has been great to work with.

Meathead

Lol, well I work on my ratcheting skills at night when I'm not riding  .  I ordered a custom seat from Ultimate Seats and have not been disappointed.

signers

Not sure my little video deserves such praise, but I will gladly take it.  I actually do not need to tear it down all the way, but I will be removing the exhaust and will be making another video for that.  It all depends on how much time I have when I do a little project on the bike.  I assume if I wanted to see a video of how it was done, someone else might as well. 

[Valkorado]

texdoc77 thank you for making instructional videos, I have a service manual but seeing things done is how I "get" it.  Please feel free to post any and all project and maintenance projects!  I wish someone would make a good rear end service vid.

[The emperor has no clothes]

texdoc77 thank you for making instructional videos, I have a service manual but seeing things done is how I "get" it.  Please feel free to post any and all project and maintenance projects!  I wish someone would make a good rear end service vid.

We should have one of the Florida guys video Grumpy. I had done my standard numerous times. But watching Grumpy do my new to me Interstate showed me a lot of short cuts that I wouldn't have known about. 

[Chrisj CMA]

texdoc77 thank you for making instructional videos, I have a service manual but seeing things done is how I "get" it.  Please feel free to post any and all project and maintenance projects!  I wish someone would make a good rear end service vid.

Have you seen my PowerPoint for the rear end service, it's in shoptalk half way down on the left side chrisj rear end service or something like that

[Roidfingers]

Chris, I actually have your powerpoint saved to my desktop for when the time is right. Already have all the parts needed including the black, whatchamacallits. LOL. But to be able to watch live or video of someone doing that would really bring it all together. Thanks for the powerpoint. 

[Valkorado]

Yep, that's a good PowerPoint, but a video would be even better.  Next time you do it have your wife tape you.

 
That didn't sound right, did it?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Yep, that's a good PowerPoint, but a video would be even better.  Next time you do it have your wife tape you.

 
That didn't sound right, did it?

That might be violating the Rules of the Road. 

[Chrisj CMA]

Yep, that's a good PowerPoint, but a video would be even better.  Next time you do it have your wife tape you.

 
That didn't sound right, did it?

Lol, I may word it somewhat differently when I approach her with the idea

[Roidfingers]

Will you video me working my rearend? Not good . 

[BF]

Great video, but I've never heard anyone calling their front and rear fenders wheel fairings before.

[texdoc77]

Great video, but I've never heard anyone calling their front and rear fenders wheel fairings before.

Wrong terminology, my apologies. I just don't have any background in mechanics. Of course fender is better. Thanks for the tip.

[wiggydotcom]

I agree with the other posts that you did a great job on the video!   

Not sure if you have your MarkT pipes yet but you are going to love them. It was one of the best additions to my Valk. Did you get the Mild2Wild setup? You can go from almost stock to almost straight pipe sound.

Concerning exhaust removal-if you haven't already, make sure you get all of the old exhaust gaskets out of the manifolds. When you removed the exhaust and look up in there, you might not even recognize them because they will be flattened. There are slots in the side that allow you to get a small screwdriver in there to pry the old gaskets out. I found an "O ring" pick works well also.

Hopefully, you have replacement O rings to go back in before the rebuilt exhaust goes back on. As Mark suggested, you can GENTLY compress the O rings to make them SLIGHTLY oblong and they'll stay up in there till you get the exhaust headers back on. You can also use a small dab of Vasoline or grease to hold them in place. It'll burn off in short order after the bike is started.  

Don't overtighten the exhaust nuts. I think the torque spec is 6 inch/lbs. After 100 miles or so, recheck them, rinse, lather and repeat.

Let us know how you like the pipes!

[texdoc77]

I agree with the other posts that you did a great job on the video!   

Not sure if you have your MarkT pipes yet but you are going to love them. It was one of the best additions to my Valk. Did you get the Mild2Wild setup? You can go from almost stock to almost straight pipe sound.

Concerning exhaust removal-if you haven't already, make sure you get all of the old exhaust gaskets out of the manifolds. When you removed the exhaust and look up in there, you might not even recognize them because they will be flattened. There are slots in the side that allow you to get a small screwdriver in there to pry the old gaskets out. I found an "O ring" pick works well also.

Hopefully, you have replacement O rings to go back in before the rebuilt exhaust goes back on. As Mark suggested, you can GENTLY compress the O rings to make them SLIGHTLY oblong and they'll stay up in there till you get the exhaust headers back on. You can also use a small dab of Vasoline or grease to hold them in place. It'll burn off in short order after the bike is started.  

Don't overtighten the exhaust nuts. I think the torque spec is 6 inch/lbs. After 100 miles or so, recheck them, rinse, lather and repeat.

Let us know how you like the pipes!

Thank you! very good tips.  I will be removing the exhaust today and might even do a little video, we shall see.  I will take a good look up in the manifold to see what I can see.  I am getting completely new headers from Mark T and from what I remember he will send new gaskets, but not sure about the o-rings...