Charlie's trippin

[storm 64]

I'd replace the gasket. Make sure the engine is venting properly, and motor on. Keep a eye on things at fuel stops. If you can make it to the Indiana/Ohio aria, and things are catastrophic. There are resources here to totally rebuild your engine if need be. Good luck

 

[dorkburger]

True, I had a pinched breather tube on my LTD 550 many years ago, and it blew out massive amounts of oil.

 

[argonsagas]

Ok Charlie, too much blow-by pressure in the oil galley.
I would think your trip is over, because the only way to fix that is new piston rings.
Been there with a couple cars.

That might be a worst case scenario.

I would think a check on the vent tube is a first priority, as a clogged one would cause pressure build-up....and this would be much cheaper, easier, and faster to repair.

 

[Charlie G]

Well I was starting to feel good about the situation and Bill get's me worried....... I think I've fallen victim to my own frugalness. I should have replaced the gasket when I did the valves as this one has had 3adjustments on it. I will pull the breather in the morning and check that it's clear. The new gasket is on with half moons & 306 miles . No leaks and drips slowly stopping. I've been traveling in an area where the speed limit is 80mph.......++

I setting in Belfeild ND tonight adding my 43 state to my list of states visited.With any luck I'll get 3 more in the next few days.

Rob,I had the gasket sealer/maker but I also had a dealership right there.
Thanks for all your advise!

 

[Big T]

Charlie,

If you remember, mine blew that night you followed me home. One of the little curves was cut incorrectly by 2-3 mm. There's a lot of oil thrashing around there. So, relax

Are you heading towards Duluth and the Mackinac, or down to Chicago? I recommend staying north, or taking the SS Badger (spendy, but worth it)

 

[Carter Turk]

What do you think of the Katana ergonomics??? imagine riding that all the way to Ontario...

Hey, I did that. North Shore of Lake Superior Ontario.
Have a good ride Charlie.
Hwy 1 to Illgen City in Minnesota was pretty fun.
Spent the night in Bemidji, headed up 71 to 1.

 

[BigD_83]

I've never seen a Katana fitted with that much kit...it'd be quite a feat of agility to pop one's foot through the gap to mount the beast.

Keep on reporting in, Charlie. I'm living vicariously through you.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

Well I was starting to feel good about the situation and Bill get's me worried....... I think I've fallen victim to my own frugalness. I should have replaced the gasket when I did the valves as this one has had 3adjustments on it. I will pull the breather in the morning and check that it's clear. The new gasket is on with half moons & 306 miles . No leaks and drips slowly stopping. I've been traveling in an area where the speed limit is 80mph.......++

Well silly me, I didn't know you had the lid off 3-4 times on that gasket. You know what your last compression test was as well.
Anyway, best 'O luck!

 

[Charlie G]

Charlie,

If you remember, mine blew that night you followed me home. One of the little curves was cut incorrectly by 2-3 mm. There's a lot of oil thrashing around there. So, relax

Are you heading towards Duluth and the Mackinac, or down to Chicago? I recommend staying north, or taking the SS Badger (spendy, but worth it)

kj

How could I forget!

 

[Charlie G]

Hey, I did that. North Shore of Lake Superior Ontario.
Have a good ride Charlie.
Hwy 1 to Illgen City in Minnesota was pretty fun.
Spent the night in Bemidji, headed up 71 to 1.

I've ridden a Kat and I'd love to try a tour on one.

Trying to get past St Paul today. Going through Chicago area and up to Dowagiac Mi afterward. Go Cubs!

 

[Charlie G]

I'm in Monticello, Mn this evening, with520 miles for the day. Minnesota makes my 44th state. Hopefully make sw Michigan for tomorrow for a total of 46 states

 

[argonsagas]

I have not been there for many years, but it will be on your way so I will mention this. The last time I approached the almost-permanent black clouds of pollution that enshroud Gary, Indiana, I took a long, deep, breath, then ran the bike up to 100MPH.and kept it there until I was past the stench of Gary, breathing that foulness as few times as possible, and filtering it through a handkerchief that I had against my glove.

Hopefully, the air has improved since then, but the internet still shows it as one of the most polluted cities.

 

[Big T]

Well, the rain should have dampened any pollution.
My friend is reporting from the Peoria TT and it's been raining cats and dogs

 

[Charlie G]

Yesterday was grueling! 593 miles, 5 states, rain & the traffic! Wisconsin drivers are psycho. 80 mph @ half a car length away.....fools! I'm in New Buffalo & will Buffloa Bill this am. Going to drive to little town called Dowagiac, where my forefathers settteled in the 1850's. Visit some Relics...

Grey sky's!

 

[JJ]

I'm in Monticello, Mn this evening, with520 miles for the day. Minnesota makes my 44th state. Hopefully make sw Michigan for tomorrow for a total of 46 states

I have a very good friend that teaches in Monticello, MN. Be safe!

 

[Buffalo Bill]

Charlie in Michigan, nice ride

Charlie in Michigan, nice ride

Ok, so Charlie bangs on my door this morning.
We chatted for an hour about jobs and bikes, then I escorted him 40 miles from New Buffalo through Niles and on to Dowagiac Michigan.
He's tracking down his ancestors who settled in Michigan back in 1840.
I was a nice ride, although a straight line on US12, 60 mph. Seems it was some kinda special garage sale day, we had to slow down many times because of cars and people stopped at country houses for the sales.
Slight amount of precept, 100% humidity with a high dew point, so my visor was half fogged all the way to Niles. The weather cleared up after I left him at Dowagiac. then I rode home through all my favorite twisty country roads.
Have wonderful journey Charlie!!!

 

[Carter Turk]

Hey, the bike looks pretty darn clean after so many miles. In the low 80's here in the NW.

 

[argonsagas]

Hey, the bike looks pretty darn clean after so many miles. In the low 80's here in the NW.

Yes, it does.

Glad to see you did not try to get the weather to help wash it down by riding up this way yesterday.

From west of Kitchener/ Waterloo and eastward across Toronto the entire area was swept by very heavy thunderstorms, high winds. torrential rain and there were multiple reports of tornadoes. Serious damage was reported in K-W area, so you might check with your relatives to be sure they are OK.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

I have no idea where Charlie spent the night, but Kitchener/ Waterloo is less than a 6 hour ride from New Buffalo Michigan.
He may have been in bad weather.

 

[Charlie G]

I made to the neice's cottage at Port Elgin, On a little past 8 yesterday evening. I crossed over at Port Huron and at the high point over the bridge the wind and hail was a real welcome toCanada! I was I the shock of it for a total of 30 minutes. I have good gear and I survived. It made it much easier being on a country 2 lane road @ 90 kph with no traffic or big rigs. I needed the skill developement. It's a nice day today.

I'd like to install new plugs in my bike this week while I'm off the road but I don't know what to gap the plugs. Does anyone have an 1100g and know what they are gapped at, would post it here for me. Thank for any help wth this.