First Generation Ascots > The Thumper Years: Modified To Full Customs
FT500 Vintage racer
FT500R:
Completely moved now and very happen with my new little shed.
I thought I would have a lot less room but actually I am able to fit both FTs inside where before I could only fit 1.
Now both bikes are inside I can start freshing up the engine of the race FT.
I started draining the oil and there was a lot of sludge in there, even though I renewed the oil 2 months ago and the bike didn't run in between. I think some rain water leaked in the breather while the bike was outside.
Half an hour later I had the engine out.
Next step is to cover all openings and power wash the engine. When it is clean I'll probably whip up a small engine stand to have the engine more stable and upright.
hellblom:
Cozy shed you got!
murdo:
Very nice.
FT500R:
I power washed the engine and started taking it apart to freshen it up.
I found a lot of non- standard bolts and RTV which is never a good sign. Someone has been in this engine before and he/she was not gentle.
Will probably have to helicoil every headcover bolt (standard practice with the FT anyway) and replace all of those bolts as the threads have gone on those too.
Unfortunately the rockerarms have completely worn so I will have to replace those. I was afraid the cam was a goner too but after comparing it with a spare one, which I know is good, it turns out this one is not that bad either. After measuring the camshaft journals and even the lobe height are well within spec.
The camchaintensioner bolt is loose but won't come out so I suspect the same problem one of the other members of the ascot facebook board had. I also discovered that the 2 head nuts on the underside of the head are missing... Pretty amazing what you find on a 150 euro 40 year old bike
FT500R:
Managed to get the camchaintensioner bolt that was stripped out by prying a flathead screwdriver between the camchaintensioner and the cilinder head on the inside. This put enough pressure on the bolt for the threads to bite and to screw out.
Removing the head was peanuts afterwards (helps that the lower two head nuts were missing.)
The valves and piston are not completely covered in carbon build up which is a good thing. A not so good thing is the piece of helicoil sticking out of the sparkplug hole.
The used head gasket is aftermarket so again an indication someone messed with the bike before (and did not do a good job).
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