Prairiehammer

Are you saying that the dealer will take $3000 for all three ($1000 per bike)? Or wants $3000 for each?

Haven't had the slow-down for a week and already repainting it? Hmm. Some peeps have more money than me.

If she is 94, I am 17.

When I had keys made for the saddlebag latches and ignition switch I purchased on eBay without keys, the locksmith told me that the key he made would work in the saddlebag latches but not in the ignition. I didn't care, because all I wanted was lockable saddlebag latches (I'm installing them on my trailer). Also, on my 1991, I have a spare key (ILCO) courtesy of the PO, and it opens the trunk and the saddlebags just fine, but when I tried it in the ignition, I have to push the tip of the key to the six o'clock position in order to turn the ignition. I don't know why this is so, but I am getting an 'official' Yamaha blank and having the dealer cut it.

No spark? Too many things to list that could contribute to that problem. TCI, any of the interlocks, 'tip over' switch, ignition switch, ignition fuse holder/fuse/connections, any wiring related to the previous items, etc, etc. And being electrical in nature, intermittent connectivity could be an issue. Having said that, IF it ran on Saturday, then you know it is salvageable. Did you witness the running or was that the seller's claim? I say: Buy it, then pay $12 to join here as a supporting member and take advantage of all the expertise and technical information available.

While I don't have a solution, I do know your anguish. Every morning as I enjoy my coffee ...while Debbie is 'prepping' ...in the bathroom ...where I am enjoying my coffee ...I watch as she plucks her fifty something chin hairs (fifty something YEAR OLD hairs, not fifty something chin hairs). I suggested that she start shaving, instead of plucking. She glared at me (with my full beard of thirty five years) and mutters things like: "What do YOU know about shaving?" or sumtin. The trouble she has started to experience is that she can't SEE well enough up close to grab that chin hair(s). So, guess who has the honors? I cook, I grocery shop, I clean, I tend the garden, I mow the grass, etc. Now, I have to pluck her chin hairs, too! I have to carry the WHOLE load.

Even a starter clutch in good condition will make the clanging noise if the battery voltage to the starter motor is too low. Consider that the starter clutch is a one way sprag unit with spring loaded rollers that are forced against a 'race' on the 76 tooth gear; when engine rpm exceeds starter input rpm, centrifugal force causes the rollers to disengage. The erratic re-engagement of the rollers causes the awful sounding noise. A slow starter rpm allows the rollers to disengage when the engine 'hits' then re-engage when the engine slows, then disengage when the starter spins too slowly, ad nauseum. The rollers on the starter clutch can also become gummed up on a long unused machine, with the resultant erratic action (noise). It is not uncommon for one or two rollers to be slow to 'roll' and so do not wedge. The springs that push the rollers also become fatigued and so do not always force the rollers into the wedge. If the springs are weak, the centrifugal force may be too great too soon and the rollers disengage before the engine is running. The broken sprag is also common.

Pete, how did you get the float valve seats out? The float valve seats have to be pressed out from the float chamber, pushing the staked plug out of the carb body as you press the seat out.

That $83 gets you FOUR carb kits; only $20.75 each carb.

Yamaha offered these "Accent Panels, crankcase" in the VentureLine accessories catalog. I've noted that they sell on eBay from $5 up to $80. There is currently a pair (two separate auctions) where the seller is wanting $20 each. They are not in good condition nor are they complete. If you buy any accent panels, make sure they are complete. The left side panel requires a bracket with spacers and longer bolts to be installed onto the middle gear.

Keep at it Pat. Hope we helped get the 'Might Mouse' on the road and under your butt at speed. Perhaps your project needs another 'companion'? Pearl Sweetheart is available...just for the MM.

O. M. G. Where the heck have you been, Steve? Missed you...

I use one of these...in my nose...on my ears...um, wherever needed...can't have the young chicks looking at ME funny... I try to control the facial hair, whether it be nose, ear, head or beard. Like this.

Would this be Sky Blue Pink? Nah! Not Pink enough for @yammer.

You have a Venture? When did you get that?

I think I would go with the 'silver' (Salt Lake Silver and Anthony Gray) Standard. Fewer miles, presumed better condition engine and carbs. You may be able to clean the 1988 tank without removing it from the frame, but removing the fuel tank is easier then swapping the engines. Since much of the 1988 luggage is already removed, removing the rear sub-frame (which is required to remove the fuel tank) would go fairly easily. All the plastic will interchange. You could even move the audio and CLASS to the 1988 from the 1986, if you wished. The electrical wiring would have to be adapted, but physically/mechanically the components will fit right in.

And what C.O.P. (bike model) did you end up using?

Thanks, Jack. Yeah, I had found that one before, but it has mixed reviews. Some say it is not a very steady read out; ±50 rpm bounce, some have said it doesn't work on their motorcycle, etc. I am looking for an accurate tach that will allow a 'lean drop' method for setting air/fuel mix. That means a tach that will show 50 rpm change. I was hoping someone had first hand knowledge of a good tach for using with the Venture.

I am requesting suggestions for a digital tachometer for shop and tuning purposes (not for mounting to the bike). I have an old analog Tach/Dwell meter, but it doesn't work on the Venture. Do the currently available tachometers use an induction connection for sensing spark or does one have to connect to the coil directly? What do you technicians use on the Venture? Where to find one? How much should I expect to pay for a middling meter?

Your 1988 is a Standard Venture, so no CLASS or factory audio, but it has an air adjustable suspension, just not adjustable with an on board compressor and CLASS controller. What's the two VIN and build dates if I may?

Pat, I am not familiar with Sea Foam Trans Tune, but the '4X concentration, has more detergents...' is worrisome. The components of the fuel system and the components of an automatic transmission may be dissimilar enough that the increased cleaning power of the Trans Tune may have ruined some components of the Venture fuel system. But I don't know that for fact, just speculating. There are four reasons that the Venture carbs will overflow: 1. Stuck float or stuck open float valve 2. Bad float valve needle or bad float valve seat 3. Bad O-ring on the float valve seat 4. Saturated (too heavy to float) float Any of the above will result in the carb bowl overfilling with the resulting fuel running out the bowl vent line to emerge in front of the rear tire as you describe. The fuel that you observe 'washing fuel all over the rear exhaust manifold' could be because of a ruptured or disconnected bowl vent (overflow) line near the carbs. The described leak could also be from a leaking fuel supply line(s). I would remove the airbox and examine all the vent lines and fuel supply lines on the carbs while the engine is running. Oh and don't be alarmed if your vent lines don't look like the ones in the picture. The pictured carbs are of my California intended Venture. The bowl vents are (were) all connected to a valve that would allow venting to a charcoal canister.

I was watching that 1989 transmission on eBay and when I saw it was sold yesterday, I wondered if it was you who had bought it. You got a very complete assembly for a very cheap price. I wouldn't be surprised though, if the shipping to Finland of such a heavy package will cost as much or more than what you paid for the transmission. Good luck.

I took my only Venture key into the local Yamaha dealership and they cut a new one for $7. I had already tried the home centers, hardware stores, etc. but none had the proper blank. The dealer did and had the key cutting machine. Ten minutes and $7 and I rode away with a spare key.

James, I can see the Peru and LaSalle water towers from my place. LOL Ten minutes or so. I have a vehicle and COULD go to Princeton, but I figure if I ask Marty to bring the bike here, then it will be an incentive to get it on the road. You are welcome to motor over to my place and help supervise, though.

While it CAN be done, it is pretty difficult. Every time you adjust one, then that throws off the others. Back and forth, four times each or more. Four carbs. Back and forth, etc. It is possible, I suppose, but you might spend an hour or more only to discover that the synch is still off. Check your voicemail.