Resurrection of a wreck

John Watson · Post by **John Watson** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 3:24 pm

Hi Al, Out of the last half dozen or so bikes I've bought in the last few years, only one of them has been usable, mostly I've bought machines similar in condition to this one so I'm no stranger to the trials and tribulations of restoration, it's where I get my kicks these days. Here's one I did a few years ago: http://www.katanaownersuk.club/forum/vi ... f=9&t=3856

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 4:15 pm

Super job on the Katana!

G

John Watson wrote:Hi Al, Out of the last half dozen or so bikes I've bought in the last few years, only one of them has been usable, mostly I've bought machines similar in condition to this one so I'm no stranger to the trials and tribulations of restoration, it's where I get my kicks these days. Here's one I did a few years ago: http://www.katanaownersuk.club/forum/vi ... f=9&t=3856

AlanW · Post by **AlanW** » Tue Oct 17, 2017 2:51 am

Superb job, well done.

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Tue Oct 17, 2017 11:22 am

I'll have a rummage at the weekend.

G

John Watson wrote:Absolutely no rush, G, this is a long term project. Appreciate the help.

John Watson · Post by **John Watson** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 4:31 pm

Nothing much to report to date, I've been stripping the engine and today's discoveries include a bent inlet valve and four totally goosed tappet covers, they were so tight that the correct socket torqued out after I was reduced to getting my neighbour to lean on the head while I tried to undo each one in turn using a breaker bar. I ended up notching the outer edge and hammering with a 2 1/2 pound hammer and punch. This is shaping up to be one expensive repair. but on the other hand it has to be absolutely right or it's not worth doing.

casamere · Post by **casamere** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 4:42 pm

You could always use some 36" stilsons John.....lol....I should mention this is not my bike.

John Watson · Post by **John Watson** » Thu Oct 19, 2017 3:36 pm

I do have a pair of stillsons, Steve, they only ever come into play to butcher already butchered and severely stuck items that I don't mind demolishing.

Progress is very slow at the moment, my wife took a tumble 10 days ago and broke a bone in her foot leaving me as chief cook and bottle washer, so my time is severely limited. All I have managed today is to loosen off the camshaft nut, it put up a pretty good fight and was just as well I'd done my homework on this excellent forum because it would have been an impossible task had I not known that it was a left hand thread. Tomorrow I will tap it out then set to work removing the valves.