Carburetor - Inspection

These carburetors came from a bike that had been standing for a long time.

All of the chrome has rusted

I'm unsure what this spring should be fixed to.

I use these small screwdrivers to pry off the clip. I can get a complete set from the dollar store - so I don't mind using them for jobs like this.

The used worn screws - tells me somebody was here before me - in which case its important to look out for "non-standard changes", and be aware that parts may be misplaced or missing.

This giant spring is slightly rusty - I could perhaps get away with cleaning it up but for 11$ each it's worth replacing.

Something crusty inside I'm not sure what it is.

The slide diaphragm also has an unknown crud - whatever it is I'm trying to avoid touching it and breathing it in.

The spring above the needle is also corroded but at $40 each I might try cleaning this.A Dynojet kit is $64 for both carbs.

This missing washer tells me somebody was here before me

The float bowl reveals more corrosion - serious damage here.

The previous owner complained he was unable to get the bike started - I wonder why?

This float looks like its been repaired - the two bubbles of "stuff" are curious. The pin is also corroded.

Once the bubbles of goop are removed - it all falls apart.

Keep each carb in it's own box with all is own parts

The diaphragm has a locating notch.

Starter Clutch

The starter clutch has a rubber/plastic ring around it. The above is a before and after. I assume it acts as some sort of shock absorber. The Virago has known problems with the stater motor and clutch.

The starter clutch in assembly order.

Timing Chain and Oil Lines

Polishing and Preparation

The four stages of polishing from left to right. 1) The years of weather, heat and cold get you tarnish. 2) Over time a thin skin of crud forms - knock that off with some medium grade wet or  dry. This is the time to also remove any minor dings. 3) Use a finer grade of wet or dry to remove the deeper marks. 4) Polished with a polishing wheel - I polish in two stages: a) I use Porter Cable #5 High Gloss Gold/Silver polish on one wheel - this will get you 90% of the way - it will remove any visible scratches. On my second wheel I use Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish and I polish until the wheel goes dry. You know you are done when the aluminum has a satin look to it. 

A preview of the polished parts on the engine. The green wire is holding the cam chain - its not hooked up yet.

Inside the cam chain tensioner you will find this scary spring - I recommend NOT taking it out. Note the Schmutz - I blew this out with a blast of air, added a little oil to keep the rust away and closed it back up before that spring unraveled in my face.

A little High heat paint on the cam chain tensioners.

The nuts and washers for the heads - one size for the front and one size fore the back. Note the missing dowel pin in the timing chain gear.

Banjo bolts, oil lines and cam tensioner - ready to go