Ural quality strikes again. Since the engine was running kind of rough when I got to town on Friday, I decided to do a quick check of the valves this morning. With the transmission in neutral, I use the kick starter with my knee to slowly turn the engine over until it is at TDC. This morning, the kick starter turned the engine one revolution then the lever fell off. Not as in a loose bolt but the "steel" lever broke at the shiney part in the picture. Are you kidding me! There must be a hidden camera somewhere for a reality TV show…
I had not used the kick starter to actually start the engine since maybe April sometime but I have used it to slowly turn the engine over when adjusting the valves. (In Dawson City, Stewart and Kootenay Lake)
BTW, the valves were a little loose again but I didn't bother adjusting them since it was maybe loose by a couple of thousandths. The higher speeds on Friday caused the rig to burn more oil like before and added another 300 ml. 2,938 miles (4,728 km) so far on this trip and I've added 1.5 quarts of oil. Almost a full oil change. Not all of that is burned since some leaks out whenever the valve covers are removed. I'll have Raceway do the oil and filter change. Plus they can check for metal filings in the drained oil.
Another hot day today but the forecast is looking better for the coming week.
Posted with Blogsy
Please tell me you have electric start as a back up. I can't believe the lever came off.
ReplyDeleteYep, use the electric start most of the time. And, yes, the kick start arm just broke off…
DeleteRichard, I'm starting to think the Ural was designed with a side car so you could carry your own welding equipment. I can't believe you've had another metal failure. Hope Raceway can cure it all for you.
ReplyDeleteMaybe that is a new accessory. I have a hard time believing that the kick start lever failed as it is a heavy part.
DeleteRichard is it just my imagination or are you doing way more wrenching than you used to? Seems like there is an awful lot of work needing to be done on the Ural. Aside from all of that I hope yiu are having a great trip! Did you manage to kiss the forest fires her, we've had a terrible smoke haze today, blew all the way from the mainland to the Island.
ReplyDeleteWay more than with the Beemer, then yes. Way more than usual with the Ural, maybe. On this trip, the miles pile on pretty quick so routine maintenance is needed more often.
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