Scott's 3AJ restore

scottieh · Post by **scottieh** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 4:49 pm

Hey everybody, I'm still here! Putting together my order list for a big shipment from Boats.net. I'd like to pay for shipping only once so that means being thorough with my inspections so I don't miss anything and have to pay $5.00 shipping for a $1.00 clutch spring or something silly. I had a question though. For doing a valve job, do you recommend using a valve spring compressor? I've seen people both remove and replace springs with their hands and I've seen tools being used. On these big 4 valve engines, I assume the springs are much stiffer than fingers can easily compress so a tool would be good, but I'd like your opinion. I'll do a top end job and replace the piston, rings, hone the barrel, replace the cam chain (maybe sprockets, we'll see. Don't really want to spend another $150 on metal) and lap the valves. Am I missing anything? Also I'm still debating if I should split the case and replace the main bearings and 5th gear. Suggestions?

-Scottie

GeoffD · Post by **GeoffD** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 5:22 pm

Definitely use a valve spring compressor. When you have the head & barrel removed, you'll be able to shine a torch down inside the crankcases & check your fifth gear.

scottieh · Post by **scottieh** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 5:45 pm

GeoffD wrote:Definitely use a valve spring compressor. When you have the head & barrel removed, you'll be able to shine a torch down inside the crankcases & check your fifth gear.

Can you recommend a brand and model of spring compressor?

GeoffD · Post by **GeoffD** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 6:16 pm

Hmm ... I would have said buy the best one you can afford, but if you're only gonna use it this one time maybe you could borrow one.
I've had mine for 32 years, can't remember what make it is or where I bought it

scottieh · Post by **scottieh** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 6:26 pm

Well, I do enjoy rebuilding bikes so the tool might be worth investing in. However, I will probably only be doing this kind of thing like once a year. Borrowing might be the answer. Thanks. I've been so busy with work I haven't had any time to spend wrenching the bike. It's still sitting under cover from when I limped it home back in October. Emptied the carbs, put in fuel stabilizer and wait. The itch is strong now. And yes Geoff, I'll pay for you to come to Texas but like I said, only if you do it overland from England.

Eric66 · Post by **Eric66** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:25 pm

Hey Scotty, compare the prices with Boatnets sister company Powersports Plus, you will find they are even cheaper!
Regards Eric

scottieh · Post by **scottieh** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:38 pm

Wow, cheaper than Boats? Thanks for the tip

Mezo · Post by **Mezo** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 10:00 pm

Scottie, your a young fella & from what ive seen your going to be wrenching bikes for many decades to come.

Invest in some quality tools that will last you those decades, your lucky your in the US as they are normally the better stuff & far cheaper than we can get them for, id recommend getting a good puller set as well for taking the flywheel off & a good torque wrench as well.

Don't go buying cheap Chinese crap, spend the extra & get quality, in 32 yrs time you can say "ive had this tool for decades" engrave you name on them & look after them.

Mezo.

vander · Post by **vander** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 11:01 pm

Working with good tools adds pleasure to the experience. Bad tools dont. And sometimes, bad tools even add holes to your hands. My right puce has been certifying that for some weeks now.

scottieh · Post by **scottieh** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 12:02 am

vander wrote:Working with good tools adds pleasure to the experience. Bad tools dont. And sometimes, bad tools even add holes to your hands. My right puce has been certifying that for some weeks now.

I buy Craftsman usually. American steel and lifetime warranty. I had a Chinese brand 14mm socket split down a side when I put some big force on it. If it had been Craftsman it probably wouldn't have broken and even if it did I could get a new one no questions asked. I am open to tool brand suggestions. I'm thinking I'll need a flywheel puller, a valve spring compressor and a case splitter. Tusk makes some solid looking products (http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/43/ ... aller-Tool) but I've only seen them being used in commercials on the internet. What does the wide world have to say?