thanks TJ

I don't think the steel sleeve maintains preload, i think it provides a bearing surface so the spring doesnt eat up the case is my theory.  I think the preload is achieved once kickstart shaft end fork is inserted into spring, and either the spring loop of the kcik starter shaft is preloaded, but I could be wrong -  obviously - or I wouldnt be rebuilding engine! 

My kicker isn't limp per se, just not as firm as I recall it...so I am going to live with this, or find a way to preload it an additional 1/4 turn down the road if after riding for a while it bothers me.

whats up with your bike that has you taking it apart?  good luck with it, I am no expert but have tried to capture 100 questions that I had along the way in this thread

The same could probably be said for many of us "aging members" here....

The crankshaft bearings were worn out. I really appreciate you sharing all of your lessons learned on yours. Been taking notes and have a list of things to check out. Figured I'd try and help on the kickstarter return spring. I'll have to take a look at the kickstarter shaft to get an idea of what you are thinking. The spring sleeve will limit the twist on the spring if you preload it too much when installing the kickstarter shaft.  A 1/4 turn of preload should not be a problem though.  Thanks msavitt. I still have a lot to learn on my end. 

This has been a really fun project that wouldn't have made it this far without the really kind and sometimes humorous support from the many experts on this site.  I have been working on VWs, Benzs, BMWs for decades and would never have joined any of these sites because of the snotty and arrogant behavior demonstrated towards those who just didn't know.

USPS is the only thing between me and my DEET refurbished lube pump, hopefully its just delayed due to snow storms and not lost.  But in the mean time I installed a pump with verified proper output, new seals, adjusted, etc. and put a gallon of 32:1 in the tank too just for good measure.

Took a 2nd ride just now further out, from my house to a place called Cook's Corner and back ~20 miles between meetings.  I got to say that this engine runs like an entirely different machine, I am pleased because the steady throttle cruising is pretty darn smooth and I don't think it's pinging that much either!  Rapid closing of the throttle still triggers the wa wa wa wa wa, but its not as out of control if that makes sense.

But i was pleased before the meltdown too, and melted down.

So taking a step back from my glass of my own bathwater, any advice on things that I should inspect and/or do to validate everything is copastetic would be very much appreciated.  Lastly, it is idling around 2k now and I am not planning to monkey with this until I get new pump installed and have burned up all the premix, and advice on what is the "perfect idle" and how to achieve it also appreciated.

On the hunt now for my next project!

Thank you,
Martin
 

20 miles on straight gas and Yamalube pump. 

any opions?

  20 miles on straight gas and Yamalube pump. 

any opions?

 

how does the bike run?  that plug looks good to me if it is a light brown.

A little darker on the plug would be good, looks kind of gray.  It can be tough to get a good shot of a plug, maybe take a few more with better light.

runs terrific!
I am paranoid and am going to double check lube pump output tonight
hope USPS gets me my professionally rebuilt pump soon and can live up to "neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night" schtick!