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  1. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    78

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    Quote Originally Posted by Michael G View Post
    I don't think I've expressed myself as well as I could have - the metal needs to be really clean. I understand what you are saying about cleaning engine parts, but oil etc soaks into the pores of the metal, so even if you wipe it over with a solvent so it is clean to touch, it can still have material in the metal that will boil off when the arc is struck.

    Typically when welding something like that I would be cleaning several times with acetone and may be some heat to try to boil off some crud. If possible I would then be abrading the surface away to get to 'clean' metal and hope that it was not contaminated. The welder will help, in that A/C will clean the surface a little, but it is not ideal.

    Michael
    Thanks for that, I have a very high pressure, pressure cleaner and a blasting cabinet, I would assume those two plus the acetone would suffice. Jap castings are a little better than the old Triumph/BSA/Norton castings, not as porous so hopefully those three will do the job. However, I was thinking about distortion from the heat. the XS is split gorizontally rather than vertical and the needle roller housing is very close to the jointing surface. I may have to just bite the bullet and search for a second hand set of cases. Expensive, but maybe less messing around.

    The damage appears to have been caused by a thrown up rock or a loose chain as I can see no other damage aside from the needle roller housing and the top section of the crankcase halves.

    The needle roller housing is just under the section that has been broken off. Looking at it now, I think a replacement case is the best way around it. The bike was a barn find, possibly laid up for quite a few years by the look.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    78

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    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    It might be worth trying to find another well worn XS to use as a donor bike. The gearbox casing is unlikely to be the only part that needs repairing.
    I've had a good look around since discovering the broken housing but can't see any other damage and it kicks over without any worrying noises. Once I get the carbs cleaned up I'll push the go button, that'll tell me more.

    The bike was a barn find and looks like it's been languishing in a barn for quite a few years. Unfortunately, the XSs are getting expensive now so a donor bike is out. I got this one quite cheap but, chances of getting another are zero. Still, this is a life project, I'll never be able to ride it due to a broken body; heck, I have trouble pushing the damn thing, just a hobby to keep me off the streets.

    I can get a set of cases for around $300 from the states, that's $99 for the parts and the rest for postage, so much for the US mail - damned expensive! Might be the best option I'm starting to think.

  3. #18
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,942

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    You haven't mentioned the size of the bike, but found a XS 250 that's being wrecked and close too, if that's any help.
    Will be going to Adelaide hopefully on Saturday, can pick it up and drop off if need be?
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  4. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    78

    Default

    Its a 650, so different bike. Thanks anyway.

  5. #20
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    837

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    Quote Originally Posted by 4me View Post
    I've had a good look around since discovering the broken housing but can't see any other damage and it kicks over without any worrying noises. Once I get the carbs cleaned up I'll push the go button, that'll tell me more.

    The bike was a barn find and looks like it's been languishing in a barn for quite a few years. Unfortunately, the XSs are getting expensive now so a donor bike is out. I got this one quite cheap but, chances of getting another are zero. Still, this is a life project, I'll never be able to ride it due to a broken body; heck, I have trouble pushing the damn thing, just a hobby to keep me off the streets.

    I can get a set of cases for around $300 from the states, that's $99 for the parts and the rest for postage, so much for the US mail - damned expensive! Might be the best option I'm starting to think.
    So in the meantime why not weld it up and see what happens?

  6. #21
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    78

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    Yep, thinking about it.

  7. #22
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    395

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    I noticed an ad in ‘Old Bike Australia’ mag that may help with parts.
    Geoffs XS.
    Just google that and his site comes up.
    They did an article about him a while back and he seems knowledgeable and into XSs.
    H.
    Jimcracks for the rich and/or wealthy. (aka GKB '88)

  8. #23
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Deception Bay Qld
    Posts
    111

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    There is a Xs club and a Facebook group in oz plus the Vjmc , plenty of guys will have parts bikes.

  9. #24
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    78

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    Yep, I'm a member of all the facebook groups, the Aussie XS club and aware of Geoff's XS, Mkes and Retro and a few others.

  10. #25
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    N.W.Tasmania
    Posts
    1,407

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    Quote Originally Posted by 4me View Post
    Well PDW, clearly you don't have much of a clue: needle rollers don't roll in Al housings, they have their own hardened steel houses with lips to stop the needles from falling out. The entire unit is a press fit inside an aluminium housing, no movement, no wear. Lining an Al bearing housing with some other material is simply a waste of time and effort. So, either you have never done such a job or you simply just don't have a clue, I'd lay bets on both. If you want to grandstand at least know what you are talking about!

    Thanks to the rest for your advice, I'll take it on board.

    There should be a blocking facility on this forum just to weed out the rude and nonsensical.
    4me you have clearly taken offence at something that you have read into PDW's response for advice. While he may sometimes appear a bit blunt, (I didn't think his response to you was, it was just a no nonsense and straight answer) he certainly does know what he is talking about, as anyone who has seen the 12 metre steel yacht that he has scratch built, including machining bronze porthole castings, machining all the steering gear, lots of aluminium bronze there, welding the hull, all the fixtures etc etc. Not to mention the fitting out, engine installation wiring, plumbing and finishing, - there are pictures on this site if you care to look.
    I also thought that you were referring to a combination mill drill for the machining, not a welding machine, but again I think PDW is likely to be pretty close to the money on the welder front as well.
    There are many very cluey and experienced members on this forum, and you would do well to listen to what they are trying to tell you, and not just toss out a load of insults. If you think that a pressure washer will do the job of cleaning a casting to the point where a wipe with acetone will be sufficient to weld it, then you will either be very very lucky or more likely disappointed. Have another look at what Michael G has advised, he is another very talented member of the group, who knows what he is talking about. I am not a welder, but I have seen just how difficult castings can be to repair, especially if they have been exposed to oil or grease, and while Honda castings are likely of good quality, getting them clean will be no easy task just the same.
    Finally I would wish you good luck with a repair, if successful it should be cheaper than replacement cases, remember, post up some pictures of the work in progress, and the completed job. There is a saying on the forum "If there are no pictures, it hasn't happened."

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