Peder_y2k

John is also qouted as saying: "Life is hard, but is harder when you're stupid" I've got so many pictures I can't pick one to along with it....... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Missing tranny locks/shims, or whatever they are, can account for excess end/side play (clearances) that create the loud sounds. The side play can cause the gears/parts to bang loudly together with each power pulse from the engine. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

I remember life before Honda, when Harleys, Triumphs, Nortons, BSA, etc. were everywhere. Then along came the Japanese with some rapidly changing fresh ideas, and we embraced them. Fast forward 25 years and we have a plethora of choices, and Honda emerged as a sorta well made albeit expensive product line. I did not like the limited choices of the early years, and today there are so many choices it can boggle the mind. Considering my life experience and use of bikes, I came to appreciate Yamaha thinking and design, and the 83-93 Ventures in particular. And so the multitude of Honda riders you observed have considered their choice as best for them, but that is them, and what is good enough for them is not for me. I like all bikes, but I like mine in particular for its power, lighter weight, style, economy, utility, and the fact I don't see myself around every turn. It doesn't hurt when I hear casual observers stop and look saying "that's a beautiful bike, what kind is it? Having 30 year familiarity with Yamaha helps keep my budget in check as I do ALL the work myself. Just my humble opinion............. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

I agree on the black hose concept, however, a clear or semi-clear hose will show changing conditions inside the hose, however helpful that might be. Regarding the angle of the end cut, I'm not sure what angle to use, a forward slope or rearward, and how much, or maybe just a flush cut..............? -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88VR

Small engines can often use similar CDI units from similar other brands and models. As an example, my 1980 Suzuki GN400 (air cooled single) runs on a 1985 Honda CH250 CDI (water cooled single), as they share many characteristics, enough to get the job done (2degrees different adv. timing). The first requirement for a substitute is that they run on the same voltage source, either AC current, OR, 12VDC, ......... can't mix. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88VR

Here's a couple images of how I reworked the crankcase vent tube on my '88VR. I used some leftover 1/2" i.d. thick wall vinyl hose and zip tied it to the frame. Vents out the bottom of the right side frame section. Did my '83 similar way years ago, only routing the hose down the back of the engine and venting out in the centerstand area. No more oil collecting in the airbox, now just spots on the floor. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Well I realize now that it was operator error (my fault...dummy) in that I did not open the vent adequately, resulting in the air being drawn into the manometer tubes. I looked at this concept from reading the manometer notes mentioned in earlier posts. With the vent properly open the columns of mercury were bubble free..... for a while, then small bubbles slowly began to appear, so reconnecting the vacuum tubes from the carb connection one at a time would refill the tubes with solid mercury allowing my adjustent to proceed. I am now satisfied with the results, all 4 manometer tubes same 31cm level, and the engine purrs at the 1000RPM idle I set. I then proceeded to adjust the pilot screws by 'ear' for a best setting for very stable and smooth idle and crisp throttle response. Now I can button the 52,000 mile bike back up for its next adventure. A satisfied customer........ -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

I took a look at the manometer notes refferred to by brakepad, and found them to be very helpful. Here's the link for those who want to know: http://home.comcast.net/~loudgpz/GPZweb/ManometerNotes/ManometerNotes.html -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Well it's not a moisture problem as mercury does not absorb water. Must be dirt of some sort in the fluid. Setting it out in the hot sun for 7hrs. did nothing. Read that one can filter mercury through a chamois, so will give that a try. Gonna stick with mercury sticks as mercury is still used for most accuracy in science instrumentation. If it's good enough for them (science types) then it's good enough for me........ -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

The US gumment weather forecast currently (9:00am Tue.) has forecasted partly sunny, 74 degrees for Sat. with chance of showers Sat night and Sunday at the meet. It's been long known that forecasting weather beyond 3 days in advance is really questionable. Bring your raingear..... This link might work for a few more hours: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.06217073607982&lon=-122.76603698730469 -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

My bike frame has lots of just plain dirt film (wet road sourced) that won't simply hose off. Is there a spray and flush cleaner that works without using a brush or cloth to break the bond between the dirt and surface it sits on? I don't want to use a pressure washer with hot water and surfactant as that can easily damage the electrics. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

If fuel is comming out of the overflow/vent tube, then the carb is flooding and introducing excess fuel into the the cylinder it serves, thus creating the symptoms you've described. Best fix the situation as excess fuel can wash lubricant out of the piston rings and accelerate piston/ring/cylinder wear. Sometimes a light blow with a hammer on a dowel held on the side can unstick the internal float valve, but if not done properly can also damage the carburetor exterior and/or linkage. Good luck:fingers-crossed-emo -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

I'd never thought about moisture in the mercury, but is very possible because the unit was stored in an unheated garage, and yes, this area is definately humid most of the year, just not warm and humid like the south. Maybe I'll set the carb sticks unit out in the sun today for several hours and test it tomorrow. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

You might check out a hardware store (like ACE) that has a screw assortment section. There are black plastic hole pulgs in several sizes that simply snap in place, provided the hole is perfectly round. I'd apply some clear silicone to the plug contact area and install, then clean wipe the excess. Solvent (acetone) clean it if you intend to paint it. I had a Forest Service surplus Bronco with e-lights roof holes that were plugged this way, and it seems rather permanent. Anyways..... the plug won't rust. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Question for you science types..... air bubbles appear in the mercury columns while using my 20 year old Motion Pro mercury manometer. These bubbles interfere with the accuracy of balancing the carbs. What causes the bubbles, and how to eliminate them? When new, bubbles were not present. Unit was always stored upright and indoors, and there is no evidence of mercury loss. Inquiring minds want to know........... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Trouble with lithium batteries is they require proper recharging regimen that limits the maximum volts the battery can attain. Exceeding the limit ruins the battery. The motorcycle charging system does not regulate the maximum volts and could easily ruin it on a longer ride. Gotta match the charging system to the battery. Also, if long cranking is required due to some problem, the battery can be discharged to the point of no recovery. Must pay close attention to volt levels for discharge and charging to have it last. That's too much trouble for me....... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

I didn't care for the vents so took them out. No vents aids engine cooling. I don't care how hot I am as along as the engine runs at normal temps. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

My experience with them has been very good. I'd buy from them again with no hesitation. They are now my first go-to place for Yamaha parts. I've purchased parts and pieces some 1/2 dozen times in the last 3 months with zero problems. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Now that's a good one..........never thought of veggy oil, but it would work well and also make the filter more easily washed with lesser solvents/surfactants. Plenty of it in my kitchen cupboards. Maybe K&N oil is veggy...... Learn something new here ever day.... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Liquid Wrench Chain Lube. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

When trailering my '83 or '88, I rent a U-Haul motorcycle trailer for about $16/day round trip. I have a helper (wife) to assist shoving the bike up into the trailer, and rest it on the sidestand. I use two 1000lb./2" ratchet straps to secure the front by first looping and tying off some 1/2" nylon rope around the fork-tripple clamp interface, then hook the strap hooks to the loop and start ratcheting it down equally on both sides, almost fully compressing the shocks, and flip the sidestand up somewhere about halfway. Then I use two lesser 1" ratchet straps to secure the back of the bike to prevent side-to-side movement. No handlebar strapping necessary. Steady as the preverbial rock, with zero movement...any movement limited to the trailer suspension. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Ask any Mormon. Youtube also has a cadre of people who have posted about survival tactics. I'm too busy paying taxes to participate in the luxury of dreaming about survival methods and supplies. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Thanks for posting your pics. Brought back fond memories, .....OK.... refreshed my memories of several places I've been over the years, same gas stations, little stores, viewpoints. Was interesting because as I was looking at some of the pics taken in the Rockies/Yellowstone areas, I thought I could smell pine, and I could sense the heat of summer, crispness of mountain air, and feel the discomfort of a cold t-storm shower. BTW, what camera is that mounted verticly on the right handlebar in the Glacier album, and how do you use it? ..... meaning, is it always on and will begin recording with the touch of a button? Can you easily/quickly remove it for hand operation? I assume the cam is waterproof.... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

I just did mine, and got the elbow and o-rings from partzilla.com. I know there have been complaints (serious) about partzilla, but I've ordered many times and had excellent results, saved me some good money also, so I have confidence ordering from them. Their site indicates what parts are available and which ones are obsolete. Here's the link I used for my '88 elbow parts: http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Yamaha/Motorcycle/1988/VENTURE+ROYAL+-+XVZ13DU/WATER+PUMP/parts.html -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Well the noise is the pump, but the fluid loss could be the pump, hoses, or steering gear. A simple exam for wetness should indicate which. Replacement is no problem. Best to buy one that is as complete as possible with reservoir, pulley, etc.. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88