So, the other day I was browsing Craigslist
wishing I could afford another project bike when I see this ad for
an Aspencade, 1983 – engine replaced, starter clutch bad, $550.00
……… Hmm, I could squeeze that much out of the significant other,
she’s planning a non-bike vacation in July/August & wants me along
–why, I don’t know but it’ll be worth a few sympathy bucks if I go.
(Rule #1. - never expect to get away with
anything - especially if you are MARRIED !!)
So, 50 miles later I’m looking at a 150K mile
Aspy with a miss, and a starter problem but overall not bad. I'm
thinking, I could argue him down some. I have a low mile (8K)
GL1100 engine with a pitted # 2 cylinder so I asked what was wrong
with the old engine. He showed me the block with a hole in # 1
piston, bad valve adjustment he said. THEN He says I’m welcome to it
and any other parts for the wing if I could fit them ???
(Rule #2. - Always have "extra" room when going
to pick something up.
Next thing I knew I was loading extra heads,
covers, 3 sets of carbs and then he brings out a 1984 GL1200 engine
– complete…… carbs & all !!!!! He got it from a buddy but didn’t
want to mess with the hydraulic clutch.
I didn’t have the heart to even try to argue
him down. He got his green & I got my gold.
Anyone interested in a 1200 engine?
The 1200 engine:
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The Aspy as picked up - Upon basic inspection by
light disassembly:
Starter hard to engage - Engine misses -
Travel Trunk - Cracked 1
Throttle cable broken -
Fairing - cracked undersides
Cassette deck dead - Radio/CB/Intercom - ???
DIGITAL
instruments .....
Stator Bolt - LOOSE ! Frame held it in the hole !
Lots of Chrome in decent condition
Graphics weren't too bad
Sorry, I'm not into Trucker chrome
Also not into naked "Land of Lakes Butter" logos
Chrome Rail belongs to something else
Wiring is an absolute MESS.......
Air Pump ? Switches are a mess but it pumps....
New colors - Black/Red with sparkles
Honda Eagle Logos are some aftermarket that were on
the trunk - Honda name was an Ebay special
The Paint is a "Rattle Can" special and stripes are
3M under clearcoat..... I may just move the black set from my Interstate, to match the fairing and bags I'm using
from it, (less painting) and then use these on the Interstate when I
make it "naked'. Next is to rebuild my 8K miles engine - seems a
better bet than this one, considering the stator bolt, etc.
-- 2May 2011 --
After several snowstorms, building a 2nd bathroom
and chiropractor's visits, I got back to the project I wanted to do..... Upon teardown, the engine had a "few" problems.....
no C-clip on output shaft to hold driveshaft - good thing I didn't try
to ride it...... Also missing cotter pins in several areas, like brake
link, also no spacer, tire rubbing on rear brake link. Odd bolts holding
things in place, bolts missing in other places. Almost looked like it
was put back together by a backyard lawnmower mechanic. "If it starts
and mows, it has enough parts on it".
Decided against using the 8K mile engine when I
spilt the case to replace the left cylinders. Found quite a bit of rust
on the gears and piston rods as well as some sort of washer in the
bottom of the case that was worn in half. Appears to be a "thrust"
washer? from off the trans main shaft. Also had to scrape out the hard
goop to remove the screen, so now I have a parts engine.....
The engine that the P/O had installed is now the
rebuild (the one with the stator bolt falling out.....). Bought a gasket
kit and will replace all the o-rings etc.
Now to the Engine: The water pump was sloppy and
leaked but I had a new spare (just in case). The thermostat had fallen
apart literally.... the bearing on the shaft for the CDI had a wobble to
it, about 3/4" off center...the other ones I have are nice and tight. so
swap out time. The starter clutch assembly was as dry as the Sahara
Desert. no wonder it seldom caught. The oil screen was pretty well full
of "clumps", not metal, just hard sediment. I had run some sea
foam in the engine before removal so the rest is pretty good. the
P/O had painted the engine to make it look good but just painted over
the grease, grime and road crud.... power washing made it clean and in
need of a real painting. Wonder of wonders, the belts had been replaced
!!! Timing belt was off by 1 tooth on the right bank - carbs were sticky
and no doubt clogged.....already rebuild one of the other 3 sets he gave
me. I'm pulling the clutch and the oil pumps next - then on to
reassembly.
Keep in mind that this engine "RAN" with all
these problems....
- 6 May 2011 -
Gasket sets from sabercyclegoldwingparts = 50 /50 at best.....
Gaskets are OK..... O-rings are NOT.... exhaust rings are NOT copper....
Live and learn.
- 28 May 2011 –
First
chance I had to add to the saga of “Aspy” –
Finally went to install the engine and found three of the four carb
bolt holes in one head were stripped out….. Had another head “just
Lying around…” so I cleaned it up, loosened up the valves and
prepped it for install – simple, right? - WRONG!!
Seems
the Aluminum around # 3 sleeve is deformed? Looks to be in the
casting? J-B Welded it and will pray….. Sorry, no pics…
- 29 May 2011 –
Cleaned up the J-B Weld and torque the head on. Reinstalled the new
belt and will re-torque the head tomorrow.
- 30 May 2011 –
Re-torqued
head and next is the gas tank. I used the vinegar treatment once
again with great results!
WARNING TO ANYONE WHO USES VINEGAR….. IT KILLS GRASS !!!!!!!
I
spilled about a pint on the driveway the first time and rinsed it
off – it ran into the grass and the wife still reminds me about it a
year later…. “See that dead spot? That’s from you and your rust
busting concoctions”.
More to come...
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